By Liam Price, photos by Jonathan White
Luke Goddard’s first game as Nantwich manager ended in a 0-0 draw at home to Stalybridge Celtic.
Byron Moore missed out with injury as Harry Bower came in in one of the changes to the line-up from the Cheshire Cup win in midweek.
Liam Tongue was heavily involved in the Stalybridge midfield throughout; missing the target with a couple of efforts in the first period.
Max Leonard came closer with a shot off his left foot, narrowly putting it over the bar from the edge of the box.
There was no doubt that the visitors were largely in control of proceedings, moving the ball quickly and accurately when they had it and pressing with energy and intensity when they didn’t. Nantwich were struggling to cope and were losing possession too easily, before some tweaks from the sideline stabilised things.
A smart Stalybridge move on the half hour ended with that man Tongue curling an effort off the top of the crossbar.
Ruben Jerome scuffed a difficult chance as the ball came over his shoulder. The offside flag unexpectedly stayed down so it had to go down as a decent opportunity.
The Dabbers’ best effort came when Joel Connolly intercepted in midfield and played it to Alex Panter who dragged a shot wide of the far post.
In the second half, Tongue threatened again, forcing Garratt to palm a long range free kick behind. He’s scored a free kick against Nantwich in the past but Garratt was up to the task this time.
Callum Saunders had a firm shot well blocked and a volley go wide as he attempted to score off the bench for the third straight game.
The quality of the match declined as the wind continued to whip round the Swansway Stadium. On more than one occasion a throw in was blown directly out of play.
But one thing that didn’t decline was the Nantwich centre back pairing. While there were no specific stand out moments from them, both Ben Hockenhull and Paddy Kennedy were solid in all facets of their play as the Dabbers secured a third straight clean sheet in all competitions for the first time in almost 4 years, and the first time since relegation to the NPL West.
Crewe youngster Jordan Hodkin came off the bench for his debut and was an energetic presence on the right hand side.
In stoppage time, Stalybridge had 2 big chances to win it. Garratt made a near miraculous save to tip a deflected Tongue shot over the bar. One of the saves of the season and Tongue must have been wondering what he had to do to score in this game.
Then from the following corner, a bullet header by Aaron Chalmers was somehow blocked on the line by James Baillie to keep it goalless.
The next home game for Nantwich is against Atherton Collieries on Saturday 7th February.
Teams
Nantwich Town: Ben Garratt, Aidy Roxburgh (Joe Collins, 72), James Baillie, Fenton Green (Joe Robbins, 59), Ben Hockenhull, Paddy Kennedy, Alex Panter, Joel Connolly (C), Byron Harrison, Paddy Jarrett (Callum Saunders, 64), Harry Bower (Jordan Hodkin, 64)
Sub not used: Rui Clarke-Phillips
Stalybridge Celtic: Charlie Monks, Mike Koral (Jordan Butterworth, 77), Kyle Brownhill, Aaron Chalmers, Jack Byrne, Jack Tining, Charlie Doyle, Liam Tongue (C), Ruben Jerome (Dontai Gabbidon, 88), Andy Scarisbrick (Ellis Horan, 77), Max Leonard (Jack Irlam, 65)
Sub not used: Benni Smailes-Braithwaite
Attendance: 450