By Steven Oldham

Stalybridge Celtic bounce back

Stalybridge Celtic ended their winless run in the Northern Premier League Division One West in some style – coming from three goals down to dismiss Hednesford Town 4-3 at Bower Fold.

The 304 in attendance who braved the chilly weather were rewarded with a seven goal thriller which saw the visitors race into a 3-0 lead in less than 35 minutes – with Manny Duku scoring twice in the opening 20 before Joel Taylor scored the third.

However, the home side’s remarkable comeback started with Max Leonard’s first of the night on 37 minutes – and his added time equaliser sent the sides in level after Brandon Newell added a second on 40 minutes.

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Newell had the final say to complete a pair of braces for the hosts, with his 76th minute goal ensuring his side pick up all three points for the first time in five matches.

Jon Macken’s side rise back into the top ten as a result and take full advantage of a fixture list almost wiped out by the cold snap.

A delighted Jon Macken speaks after tonight’s thrilling three points 💬

Sponsored by SpeakEasy Barber Club 🤝 pic.twitter.com/ifPkrPv21I

— Stalybridge Celtic (@StalyCelticFC) November 19, 2024

Colls out of drop zone

Atherton Collieries bounced out of the drop zone by winning the night’s only other game to go ahead, triumphing 1-0 at Trafford.

After a goalless first half, Kielen Adams netted the only goal of the game two minutes after the restart – and it was enough to take the win. Colls’ Danny Lafferty’s red card in added time didn’t affect the result.

A third straight win for Michael Clegg’s side has moved them up to 16th. It’s a first loss in four for Trafford, who remain in fourth place.

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Cold weather culls fixture list

The other games in the division were all called off due to the weather:

• Congleton Town vs Clitheroe
• Hanley Town vs Witton Albion
• Nantwich Town vs Wythenshawe Town
• Newcastle Town vs Chasetown

❌| 𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛 𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗧𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗗

Tonight’s game is unfortunately off. The snow hasn’t melted and in this quantity cannot be cleared without also removing the vital rubber crumb on the pitch underneath or damaging the synthetic grass ❄️

A new date will be announced soon. pic.twitter.com/NRTjUKUfjb

— Nantwich Town FC (@TheDabbers) November 19, 2024

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