Stalybridge Celtic v. Witton Albion

Witton begin a run of three successive away games on Saturday afternoon when they travel to play-off chasing Stalybridge Celtic in a Northern Premier League West Division fixture.

The game sees Albion renew acquaintances with former manager Jon Macken and his assistant Steve Atkinson as well as former players Jack Tinning and Brandon Newell.

One player Witton won’t need to concern themselves with is striker Joe Duckworth, who misses the game following his dismissal last Saturday.

Celtic go into the game in fifth place in the table having won three of their last four games and will be looking to continue their recent good form.

Witton sit in seventeenth in the table and will be hoping to pick up three vital points as they look to climb the table.

The two meetings between the two clubs last season saw them end in home wins for the respective teams with Stalybridge beating Albion 4-0 at Bower Fold before the roles were reversed in the game at the U Lock It Stadium.

A 3-0 win in February, courtesy of goals from Connor Hughes, James Lawrie and a Connor O’Grady own goal secured the points in Witton’s favour.

Albion’s last victory at Bower Fold was back in 2019 with goals from Rob Hopley and Tom Owens, so it is time that was addressed.

A tough game will be expected and Witton will have to impose themselves on their opponents if they are to return home with the three points.

Kick off at Bower Fold is 3pm.

STALYBRIDGE CELTIC FC,
BOWER FOLD,
MOTTRAM ROAD,
STALYBRIDGE,
CHESHIRE,
SK15 2RT.

Directions: From M60. Leave the M60 at junction 24 (M67, Denton). At the roundabout join the M67. Stay on the M67 to the end, Junction 4. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto the A57 (Hyde Road).
After 0.5 miles you come to a set of traffic lights (signposted Stalybridge). Turn left onto B6174 (Stalybridge Road). Almost immediately, you come to a mini roundabout. Take the 1st exit onto Roe Cross Road (A6018), follow this road for 1.75 miles passing the “Roe Cross Inn” on the right and through the cutting (road now becomes Mottram Road). Continue until you pass the “Dog and Partridge” Public House on the right. Bower Fold is on the left opposite a sharp right turn next to the art gallery. (Total Distance - 33.0 miles).

Parking: The Car Park is next to the stadium.

Admission is by way of Card & cash payments at the turnstiles.

Admission Prices: Adults: £12, Concessions(Over 65’s & 18 Year Olds): £10, 16/17 Year Olds: £8, 14/15 Year Olds: £5, Under 14’s: £3. Please note: Under 14’s MUST be accompanied by an Adult/Concession.

Matchday Programme: £2.50

There are now four venues within the Bower Fold Stadium: Gray’s Now, The Bridge, Celtic Social & 1909.

Social Club: Grays Now is open from 12.30pm and is located inside the stadium behind the goal.

Alcohol is permitted inside the stadium but MUST be in a plastic beaker.

Refreshments: The Tea Bar is on the left as you enter the stadium.

Toilet Facilities: There are toilets in three corners of the stadium and also inside the Social Club including a wheelchair accessible facility.

Full match commentary with Iain Wright is available on www.radionorthwich.co.uk from 2.45pm.

Witton team news & latest score updates will appear here as and when they become available.

Team news: Witton make five changes to the starting line-up beaten at Avro a fortnight ago. 17 year old Louie Fallon signed on dual registration from Altrincham starts in goal as Ellis Allen is missing due to injury. James Baillie makes his debut after joining from Warrington Rylands whilst James Lawrie, Mamadou Djabi and Wealth Dasilva all start. Kevin Spinelli and Elliot Rokka drop to the bench whilst Harry Brazel returns to the squad after a long spell out through injury. Kyle King and Joel Bembo Leta are still missing whilst Owen Cushion and Jay Salkeld are not involved.

WITTON ALBION:

Louie Fallon, Mike Koral, Lee Jackson, Oliver Hitchcox, Callum Grogan, Isaac Graham, James Lawrie, Owen German, Mamadou Djabi, Wealth Dasilva, James Baillie.

Subs: Harry Brazel, Elliot Rokka, Kevin Spinelli, Harry Woods.

Stalybridge have former Albion midfielder Brandon Newell & defender Jack Tinning in their starting line-up, Striker Joe Duckworth is suspended.

GOAL

Latest Score from Bower Fold:

Stalybridge Celtic 1 Witton Albion 0.

Jack Irlam gives Celtic the lead on 6 minutes.

Chance for the Albion on 14 minutes but Celtic keeper Charlie Monks saves James Baillie’s shot.

15 minutes played - Stalybridge still lead courtesy of Jack Irlam’s goal.

Yellow card:

Stalybridge Celtic’s Max Leonard on 21 minutes.

Latest Score from Bower Fold:

Stalybridge Celtic 1 Witton Albion 0.

25 minutes played.

GOAL

Latest Score from Bower Fold:

Stalybridge Celtic 2 Witton Albion 0.

Lewis Rawsthorne doubles Stalybridge’s advantage on 27 minutes.

Half Time Score from Bower Fold:

Stalybridge Celtic 2 Witton Albion 0.

Witton Substitution:

Wealth Dasilva replaced by Elliot Rokka on 56 minutes.

Yellow card:

Stalybridge Celtic’s Lewis Rawsthorn on 57 minutes.

GOAL

Latest Score from Bower Fold:

Stalybridge Celtic 3 Witton Albion 0.

Max Leonard increases Celtic’s lead on 59 minutes.

Witton Substitution:

James Lawrie replaced by Harry Brazel on 60 minutes.

Witton Substitution:

Mamadou Djabi replaced by Kevin Spinelli on 66 minutes.

Today’s Attendance: 590.

Latest Score from Bower Fold:

Stalybridge Celtic 3 Witton Albion 0.

75 minutes played.

4 minutes added time.

Full Time Score from Bower Fold:

Stalybridge Celtic 3 Witton Albion 0.

Witton drop into the bottom four. They are next in action next Saturday when they travel to Bootle in a Northern Premier League West Division fixture with a 3pm kick off.

Well at least we are top of the list for a reprieve if needed.

At the moment :worried: