By Liam Price
It’s rarely an easy trip to Stalybridge and that’s what the Dabbers have in store on Saturday (3pm kick-off) in a match between 6th and 8th in the league.
Staly-Bridge of Spies
Stalybridge’s recent form could roughly be described as two steps forward, one step back. After beating Hanley and Trafford away from home they then lost at home to Widnes at the start of February. More recently, they recorded back-to-back wins over Newcastle Town and Kidsgrove before being beaten at Hednesford 2-0 last weekend. Those defeats to play-off/promotion rivals have just seen them slip out of that top 5.
Despite being 6th they are 5 points off Chasetown in 5th. Like the Dabbers, and several other teams, they know that they are going to need to go on a big run between now and the end of the season to have any chance of grabbing a spot in the play-offs. Nantwich are a point and two places behind Stalybridge but crucially have a much stronger goal difference than the teams around them, but not those in the top 5.
One thing that can be confidently predicted about Saturday’s game is that it won’t be a draw. Stalybridge have drawn only 1 of their 17 home games (winning 10 of them) and Nantwich have drawn 2 of 17 away from the Swansway in the league. Cue a certain draw!
Last Time We Met
It certainly wasn’t a draw in the reverse game, as Nantwich put in a superb performance to win 4-0 at the Swansway in November. Kai Evans got himself a hat trick and Byron Harrison scored the other goal. Highlights below.
Players to Watch
Liam Tongue has had a hell of a season for Stalybridge. As well as being their top scorer, mostly from midfield, on 13 goals and making the most appearances with 41 this season, he was also briefly their manager before Jon Macken took over.
A very familiar face will more than likely be at the back for Celtic. Courtney Meppen-Walters is on loan at Stalybridge from Bury, who he left the Dabbers for, until the end of the season. Everyone at Nantwich knows what he’s capable of and what a challenge it will be to get past him and the rest of the Stalybridge defence.
Their options up front are very strong, with Joe Duckworth (9 goals), Jack Irlam (9 goals) and Elliot Rokka players that have caused problems for the Dabbers before.
Match Information
Tickets for this one are available online HERE. They are also available on the gate, all priced at £12 for adults, £10 for concessions and from £3 to £8 for a variety of under 18 prices.
Bower Fold is a familiar hunting ground for the Dabbers, from Nantwich its quickest to get there by the M6 and M56 route.