19 - Stalybridge Celtic vs Matlock Town

THE OFFICIAL STALYBRIDGE CELTIC MATCH DAY PROGRAMME | SEASON 2022/2023 

NORTHERN PREMIER LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION #19 

BOWER BULLETIN 

>⃝● v. Matlock Town 

>⃝● Tuesday 21 st February 2023 

>⃝● 7:45pm kick-off 

THE OFFICIAL THE OFFICIAL STALYBRIDGE CELTIC MATCH DAY PROGRAMME 

MAIN SPONSOR 

KIT SUPPLIER 

1

HONOURS LIST 

STALYBRIDGE CELTIC FOOTBALL CLUB 


LIMITED COMPANY NUMBER 00292254 

MEMBERS OF: THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION, 

CHESHIRE COUNTY FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION, 

PITCHING IN NORTHERN PREMIER LEAGUE 

PRESIDENT: GERALD CROSSLEY 

PATRON: LORD PENDRY OF STALYBRIDGE 

LIFE VICE-PRESIDENTS: SUE BOWERS, 

KEVIN BOWERS, PETER DENNERLY, JOHN HALL, 

JOHN MANDRYK, MARTYN TORR, NICK SHAW, 

GERALD CROSSLEY 

INTERIM CHAIRMAN: KEITH SMART 

DIRECTORS: GORDON GREENWOOD, 

BILL MCCALLUM, ARTHUR BOSWELL, 

PHIL HALL, STEVE TATE, KEITH TRUDGEON, 

ANDREW SEDDON, AFSHIN MIRTORABI 

& STEVE LOCKEY 

CLUB SECRETARY: PHIL HALL 

FIRST TEAM MANAGER: CHRIS WILLCOCK 

ASSISTANT MANAGER: LINCOLN ADAMS 

FIRST TEAM COACH: MATTY MCNEIL 

HEAD PHYSIOTHERAPIST: DAVID POVER M.F.H.T 

ACADEMY DIRECTOR: JILL JONES 

ACADEMY HEAD COACH: DEAN BRATHWAITE 

UNDER 18’S & 21’S MANAGER: GARRY JONES 

UNDER 18’S & 21’S HEAD COACH: LEO INNEH 

HEAD OF MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS: 

TARAN DHAMRAIT 

WEBMASTER: DEBORAH TAYLOR 

CLUB PHOTOGRAPHER & GRAPHIC DESIGNER: 

PHILL SMITH 

PROGRAMME EDITOR: RICHARD GREENWOOD 

COMMISSIONAIRE: JAY LUCAS 

PA ANNOUNCER: CHRISTOPHER TIPPING 

MATCHDAY / FINANCIAL OPERATIONS: MICHAEL 

BRIERLEY & PAT BESWICK 

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Runners-Up 1983 

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Cheshire County League - 

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Southern League - Division Two Runners-Up 1915 

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Lancashire Combination - Division Two 

Champions 1912 Runners-Up 1913 

Lancashire Combination - 

Southern Division Champions 1916 

Lancashire Combination - 

Manchester Section Champions 1919 

Lancashire & Cheshire Amateur League 


South East Lancashire League 


Manchester League Runners-Up 1963 

Northern Premier League Challenge Cup Winners 

1999 

Northern Premier League President’s Cup 

Winners 2001, 2003 

Northern Premier League Challenge Shield 

Winners 1992 Finalists 1999 

North West Counties League Challenge Cup 

Finalists 1984 

North West Counties League Challenge Shield 


Cheshire County League Challenge Cup 

Winners 1922 Finalists 1947, 1982 

Cheshire County League Challenge Shield 


South East Lancashire League Challenge Cup 

Winners 1938 Runners-Up 1939 

Manchester League Open Trophy Winners 1963 

Manchester League Gilcryst Cup Finalists 1949 

Cheshire Senior Medal Competition Finalists 1920 

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Finalists 1912, 1955, 1981, 2006, 2012, 2013 

Manchester Senior Cup Finalists 1923 

Ashton Challenge Cup 

Winners 1914, 1915, 1920, 1921, 1927, 1936, 1937, 

1938, 1939, 1947, 1950, 1953, 1955 

Finalists 1911, 1913, 1916, 1930, 1931, 1934, 1948, 

1954, 1956, 1957, 1960 

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The Football League Founder Members Division 

Three North 1920-1922 

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GLS Cup Finalists 2005 

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2 

THE OFFICIAL STALYBRIDGE CELTIC MATCH DAY PROGRAMME

WELCOME TO BOWER FOLD 

FROM DIRECTOR, KEITH SMART 

A very warm welcome to all the players, officials and 

supporters of Matlock Town FC. I hope you have had 

a good trip over from Derbyshire and all have a safe 

journey home after the game. 

We come into tonight’s game on the back of a very good performance away 

at FCUM, resulting in a 1-1 draw, which could, in fact should, have been a 

victory. A ball two feet over the goal line was inexplicably unseen by the 

officials, to the amazement of all, including FCUM fans. Sadly, poor decisions 

are all part of the game, and we have to accept them, albeit through gritted 

teeth. Tonight will be a tough game, as it always is against Matlock, who sit in 

9th place in the table and come into this game also following a 1-1 draw, away 

at league leaders South Shields. 

Last weekend I was informed of the very sad news that long-time Celtic 

supporter Fred Sykes had passed away at the age of 92. His relatives had 

placed a wreath on the pitch centre spot prior to the Whitby match. Fred’s 

first visit to Bower Fold was as an eight-year-old in 1939, just before games 

were suspended due the outbreak of the Second World War. I was very 

honoured to visit Fred at his home on Fern Bank a couple of years ago having 

been informed by his relatives that it was his 90th birthday. I presented him 

with some Celtic bits and pieces such as a tie, a hat, some badges and some 

old programmes. As the visit was unknown to him he was visibly moved, and 

as I was informed later by his relatives, he spent the 

rest of the afternoon telling all his friends about 

it by phone. RIP Fred, gone but very much not 

forgotten. 

Here’s hoping for a great game tonight, and 

a great result for Celtic. 

Enjoy the game. 

Keith Smart 

THE OFFICIAL STALYBRIDGE CELTIC MATCH DAY PROGRAMME 

3

A ROCKY ROAD AHEAD: 

Stuart Vallantine, Tuesday 21st February 2023 

Much sooner than tomorrow, 

We need to give up losing. 

Win again, the fans’ll follow 

The club they love supporting. 

There’s a rocky road ahead 

We all need to knuckle down. 

Wow the fans by the beer shed 

Take the good vibes to town. 

Our friends near Riber Castle way 

Yearn for a cracking display 

Betwixt our theatrical lights 

On a dreamy Tuesday night. 

Like the Gladiators, we 

must be ready 

We need to score again and 

be steady 

Each game is like a Cup Final 

Against the drop, for our survival. 

One way or another, let’s lift the gloom 

‘Never say die’ is, the call for our dressing 

room 

Let’s turn on the style, make the Town End 

smile 

Make it a game we’ll remember for a while. 

4 

AD-105x148-KIO-Take A Stand.indd 1 03/02/2021 08:48 


MANAGER’S NOTES 

WITH THE GAFFER CHRIS WILLCOCK 

Good evening and welcome back to Bower Fold for 

tonight’s game. 

This marks the start of four straight home games in the 

league and it’s vital that we pick up points during this period. 

Our home form has needed improving for a while and with four 

consecutive home games coming up, there is no better time for our home form to 

improve. 

We come into this game after the draw at FC United. I felt we were full value for a 

minimum of a point, and to be honest, we’ve had two goals ruled out which was just 

crazy. The one that was over the line, it was an easy decision that they got wrong and 

we deserved more from it. 

We can be pleased with the performance away to a good team and certainly in the 

first half, we created numerous chances. We lost our way a little bit in the second half 

but we worked hard to ensure we took at least a point from the game. 

I hope that we’ll be able to welcome back some of our injured players soon. They’re 

all making progress but it’s important that we don’t rush them back too soon and risk 

further injury. 

Theo and Ciaran are probably the closest to returning so we’ll see how things are 

this week. 

We have welcomed Alfie to the squad from Salford who have also allowed us to 

extend DJ’s loan for another month which we appreciate. Also a mention to George 

from our 21’s who featured for the first time on Saturday. He can’t be with us 

tonight but he did well when he came on at the 

weekend. 

I’d also like to congratulate Raheem who 

has been selected for international duty next 

month. 

Your support on Saturday was fantastic. You 

came in your numbers and roared the team on for 

the full game. 

Our home gates have also been up recently and we’re 

going to need you as we head into the final part of the 

season as we look to pick up points. 

Enjoy the game. 

The Gaffer 

#MakeADifference 


5

WHAT’S HAPPENING 

AT BOWER FOLD 

DJ’s loan extended and he’s 

joined by Alfie! 

Raheem called up for 

international duty! 

Congratulations to Celtic’s Raheem 

Hanley who has been called up to 

represent Saint Kitts and Nevis in 

two Concacaf Nations League Group 

fixtures in March 

Djavan Pedro’s loan from Salford City 

has been extended for a further month. 

The forward will now remain at Bower 

Fold until March 18th. 

DJ has made seven appearances for the 

club, scoring on his debut in the 4-0 win 

over Nantwich Town. 

He’s also provided two assists, both 

coming in the 2-0 win over Gainsborough. 

DJ has now been joined by fellow Salford 

teammate Alfie Henderson, who has 

joined the club on a work experience loan 

until the end of the season. 

The defender linked up with Chris 

Willcock’s side last week and came on 

in the second half in the 1-1 draw at FC 

United of Manchester. 

Alfie began his career at Newcastle 

United, before signing a scholarship with 

The Ammies in 2021. 

He recently spent a short period of time 

on loan at 1874 Northwich where he 

impressed on his debut vs Colne. 

The club thanks Salford for allowing both 

DJ and for Alfie to join the club on loan. 

Good to have you both with us, DJ and 

Alfie! 

Saint Kitts and Nevis will play two 

fixtures, starting with an away fixture vs 

St Martin (23rd March) and then a home 

game vs Aruba (27th March). 

We’re all wishing Raheem the very 

best for the upcoming games and are 

delighted for him to be selected by his 

country. 

Old Trafford raffle to be drawn 

tonight 

The winning ticket for our Old Trafford 

Executive Box raffle will be drawn at 

half-time by the managing director 

of ASG Group, Simon Weston - who 

the club partnered with for this raffle 

prize. 

The winning result will be shared across 

the clubs online channels and the winner, 

if not in attendance will be contacted. 

Thank you to everyone who entered the 

competition, tickets sold out in just three 

days and you have helped to raise much 

needed funds for the club. 

6 


UPDATE FROM THE SECRETARY 

WITH PHIL HALL 

Good evening and welcome to Bower Fold 

for tonight’s game with Matlock Town. I trust 

everyone connected with the club had a safe trip 

from Derbyshire. 

Tonight’s game starts a run of four home games in the 

league and we need to start picking up points at home if 

we are to cement our place in the division for next season. 

Saturday saw us make the short trip to FC United and only two questionable 

decisions to rule out two “goals” prevented us from securing the three points 

that the performance deserved. If these things even themselves out over the 

season then we are due a bit of luck tonight. 

On the playing front, we are still struggling with injuries, but hopefully, Theo 

and Ciaran are not far away from returning. 

Salford have agreed to extend DJ’s loan for another month and they have also 

allowed defender Alfie Henderson to join us on a work experience loan until the 

end of the season. 

Alfie made his first appearance as a substitute on Saturday and another 

debutant was George Omokua, the latest member of our youth setup to make 

the step up to the first team. Both players made an impact on the field and 

George looked lively upfront and was unlucky to hit the side netting after 

harassing the FC United defence. Unfortunately, George has to attend a family 

funeral in Germany this week so will be unavailable tonight. 

We are back here again on Saturday when Stafford Rangers are the visitors 

and then our run of home games is punctuated by a trip to Congleton Town a 

week today in the Cheshire Senior Cup. 

Phil 


7

MATCH REPORT 

vs. WHITBY TOWN 

Celtic left their attacking ambitions until too late, and Whitby 

snatched a goal at the end leaving Celtic with nothing to show 

Such was the lack of ambition by both 

sides in the first half, the first shot on 

goal came after half an hour, when 

Bradly Fewster’s effort rose just over 

the bar. For the next fifteen minutes, 

Celtic worked half chances, with DJ 

Pedro heading narrowly wide from 

close range and both Ben Richardson 

and Pedro off target with their efforts. 

The first shot on target came one 

minute before the interval duringh 

a spell of sustained pressure, and 

Dagnall looped a volley straight back 

through a packed penalty box after it 

was half cleared. 

Celtic started the second half with 

intent, with both Raul Correia and Harry 

Benns getting into decent positions, 

but missing the target. Moments later, 

a corner came out to Tom Miller who 

struck a sweet volley for the top corner 

only for Bland to fly across goal and 

palm the ball over the crossbar. After 

Harry Green’s shot struck Kyle Harrison 

for a Whitby corner, Celtic moved 

the ball quickly up field and forced 

Shane Bland into a fine double save. 

First close range from Correia who’d 

showed tenacity to get into the box and 

from point blank forced the parry from 

Bland, Benns stooped in and tried to lift 

his header over Bland, but the Whitby 

keeper responded well. Celtic picked 

up the punt from Bland and came 

straight back, but Correia steered his 

shot into the side netting. 

And then Celtic ran out of ideas, with 

half an hour remaining. Very little 

happened, until in stoppage time a 

clumsy foul in the middle of the park 

gave Whitby one last chance. Floated 

into the box, Celtic couldn’t clear and in 

the scramble, Harrison Beeden got the 

telling touch to divert the ball into the 

back of the net. 

0 STALYBRIDGE CELTIC vs. 

11 

Total Shots 

4 

9 

Corners 

4 

On Target 

Offsides 

1 WHITBY TOWN 

Beeden, Harrison 90 

7 4 5 

Off Target 

4 1 1 9 11 

Fouls 

VIEW THE MATCH CENTRE STATS 

8 


MATCH REPORT 

vs. FC UNITED OF MANCHESTER 

Two disallowed goals gave FC United a 

share of the spoils after Celtic bossed large 

periods of the game. 

An opener from Matt Van Wyk was cancelled 

out by a Godwin Abadaki equaliser but Celtic 

felt harshly done by with two goals ruled out. 

Chris Dagnall had an early effort deflected just 

past the post by Michael Donohue as he lashed 

in a half clearance, while Harry Benns found the 

space at the edge of the box, picking his post to 

force Dan Lavercombe into a full-stretch save. 

From a well worked free-kick, Domain Rouse 

rose highest to head in the game’s opening 

goal, being called offside and having the goal 

chalked off, a marginal call. 

Dagnall kept going, forcing Lavercombe to dirty 

the other side of his kit, before Celtic scored 

again. If the offside had been harsh, Domain 

Rouse forced Lavercombe into a superb stop, 

but was only able to parry, and Benns showed 

creative thinking to volley a backheel into 

the back of the net. Somehow, despite being 

tangled in the net, Lavercombe was able to 

knock the ball clear. Had it crossed the line? 

Absolutely. 

Obviously, after such a calamitous decision, 

FC United went up the other end and scored. 

They worked the goal well, Michael Donohue’s 

through ball to put Van Wyk one-on-one with 

Greg Hall was arguably better than the finish, 

and the finish was excellent, rifled into the back 

of the net. 

The travesty didn’t stand. Abadaki’s shot from 

another dangerous Ben Richardson corner 

deflected past the post by Alex Wollerton and 

from the corner, the home side were unable 

to clear their lines, Abadaki came through the 

crowd and applied a triumphant finish ensuring 

no official could deny him the goal. 

FC United started the second half the stronger 

of the two teams, Donohue’s rising effort 

requiring a full length flying stop by Hall, 

pushing the ball out for a corner. 

Then Celtic brought on new signing Alfie 

Henderson and Under 21’s graduate George 

Omokua. They caused endless problems for the 

United back line, Omokua 

especially will be giving 

Adam Dodd nightmares, if 

he can sleep with tangled feet. 

He twice went agonisingly close after running 

Dodd ragged, and Henderson finished off a 

decent move but fired over the bar. 

Despite five added minutes, Celtic were the 

ones looking more likely to score. 

Sadly, they couldn’t find the back of the net. 

Had both Celtic’s goals stood, 3-1 for the 

visitors would have been a fair reflection. 

1 FC UNITED 

1 

9 

vs. 

STALYBRIDGE CELTIC 

Van Wyk, Matt 32 Abadaki, Godwin 41 

Total Shots 

6 

12 

Corners 

4 

On Target 

Offsides 

5 5 7 

Off Target 

4 1 1 7 12 

Fouls 

VIEW THE MATCH CENTRE STATS 


9

IMAGE GALLERY 

FC UNITED OF MANCHESTER 

VIEW FULL GALLERY 

10 



11

STALYBRIDGE CELTIC’S 

2022/2023 SQUAD 

Greg HALL 

Connor LEACH 

Ciarán SUMMERS 

Jacob LARA 

Sponsored by 

VIC YEARDLEY 

Sponsored by 

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Kyle HARRISON 

Dahrius WALDRON 

Glebs KLUJEVS 

Raheem HANLEY 

Sponsored by 

KEITH SMART, ELAINE 

BAXTER, MICHAEL 

BRIERLEY & MICK LEES 

Sponsored by 

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Ben RICHARDSON 

Tom MILLER 

Matty JONES 

David EDWARDS 

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Alfie HENDERSON 

Ethan PADDEN 

Aarron GREWAL 

Harry BENNS 

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12 


STALYBRIDGE CELTIC’S 

2022/2023 SQUAD 

Godwin ABADAKI 

Sponsored by 

STALYBRIDGE CODERDOJO 

Domaine ROUSE 

Sponsored by 


Theo BAILEY-JONES 

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George OMOKUA 

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MANAGER 

ASSISTANT MANAGER 

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Please GET IN TOUCH if you would like to sponsor one of 

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13

Official Benchwear Partner to the 

Pitching In Northern Premier League 

Find the Macron Sports Hub 

closest to you 

These clubs have chosen Macron

GOAL SCORERS 

LGE FAC FAT MSC CSC TOT 

Raul Correia 9 0 0 0 0 9 

Matty Carson 3 0 0 0 1 4 

Chris Dagnall 4 0 0 0 0 4 

Theo Bailey-Jones 3 0 0 0 0 3 

Harry Benns 2 0 0 0 1 3 

Osebi Abadaki 1 0 1 0 0 2 

Nathan Caine 1 0 0 1 0 2 

Kyle Harrison 2 0 0 0 0 2 

Godwin Abadaki 1 0 0 0 1 2 

Ben Woods 1 0 0 0 0 1 

Matty Liptrott 1 0 0 0 0 1 

Cameron Darkwah 0 0 0 1 0 1 

Tom Miller 1 0 0 0 0 1 

Dylan Moonan 1 0 0 0 0 1 

Dominic Rouse 0 0 0 0 1 1 

Djavan Pedri 1 0 0 0 0 1 

Ciaran Summers 1 0 0 0 0 1 

LATEST LEAGUE TABLE 

# Team Pl HW HD HL AW AD AL W D L F A Diff Pts Adj 

1. South Shields 30 12 4 1 7 3 3 19 7 4 54 26 28 64 0 

2. Hyde United 32 9 3 5 7 6 2 16 9 7 53 30 23 57 0 

3. Radcliffe 30 8 4 3 6 6 3 14 10 6 46 36 10 52 0 

4. Warrington Town 31 8 5 3 5 7 3 13 12 6 45 30 15 51 0 

5. Marine 30 8 4 4 5 6 3 13 10 7 44 27 17 49 0 

6. Bamber Bridge 30 8 5 1 6 2 8 14 7 9 45 49 -4 49 0 

7. Gainsborough Trinity 31 4 8 3 8 4 4 12 12 7 57 32 25 48 0 

8. Guiseley 31 8 1 6 6 4 6 14 5 12 45 39 6 47 0 

9. Matlock Town 30 7 6 2 6 1 8 13 7 10 40 36 4 46 0 

10. FC United of Manchester 31 6 8 3 7 0 7 13 8 10 49 35 14 44 -3 

11. Warrington Rylands 32 7 2 7 5 4 7 12 6 14 48 43 5 42 0 

12. Stafford Rangers 32 8 4 5 3 3 9 11 7 14 38 45 -7 40 0 

13. Whitby Town 30 5 2 8 6 4 5 11 6 13 31 38 -7 39 0 

14. Ashton United 30 5 3 6 6 4 6 11 7 12 37 41 -4 37 -3 

15. Atherton Collieries 30 4 6 5 4 6 5 8 12 10 28 36 -8 36 0 

16. STALYBRIDGE CELTIC 31 4 2 8 5 6 6 9 8 14 32 37 -5 35 0 

17. Lancaster City 29 4 7 4 4 4 6 8 11 10 30 36 -6 35 0 

18. Morpeth Town 29 7 1 6 3 3 9 10 4 15 40 42 -2 34 0 

19. Nantwich Town 31 3 3 9 5 5 6 8 8 15 29 41 -12 32 0 

20. Marske United 26 3 1 7 5 1 9 8 2 16 36 56 -20 26 0 

21. Belper Town 31 2 4 9 3 3 10 5 7 19 33 69 -36 22 0 

22. Liversedge 27 2 1 11 4 2 7 6 3 18 27 63 -36 21 0 


15

RESULTS, FIXTURES & STATISTICS 2022/23 


Date Opposition Att. Score Res Pts Scorers 

Sat Aug 13, 2022 SOUTH SHIELDS 2,001 0-2 L 0 - 

Tue Aug 16, 2022 WARRINGTON TOWN 401 0-1 L 0 - 

Sat Aug 20, 2022 LANCASTER CITY 421 1-0 W 3 Correia (p) 

Tue Aug 23, 2022 MATLOCK TOWN 594 1-1 D 4 Woods 

Sat Aug 27, 2022 GUISELEY 351 0-0 D 5 - 

Mon Aug 29, 2022 LIVERSEDGE 546 1-0 W 8 Liptrott 

Sat Sep 3, 2022 LANCASTER CITY (FA CUP 1Q) 349 0-0 D - - 

Tue Sept 6, 2022 LANCASTER CITY (FA CUP 1QR) 193 0-1 L - - 

Tue Sept 13, 2022 BAMBER BRIDGE 232 1-0 W 11 Correia 

Sat Sept 17, 2022 NANTWICH TOWN 344 1-2 L 11 Bailey-Jones 

Tue Sept 20, 2022 ABBEY HEY (MPC P) 1-1 W - Darkwah *Won 3-1 pens 

Sat Sept 24, 2022 GAINSBOROUGH TRINITY 564 0-4 L 11 - 

Tue Sept 27, 2022 BELPER TOWN 377 0-2 L 11 - 

Sat Oct 1, 2022 MORPETH TOWN 324 0-4 L 11 - 

Tue Oct 5, 2022 RADCLIFFE 427 1-2 L 11 Correia (p) 

Sat Oct 8, 2022 SOUTH SHIELDS (FAT 3Q) 311 1-2 L - O Abadaki (p) 

Tue Oct 11, 2022 MARSKE UNITED 283 2-3 L 11 Bailey-Jones, Miller 

Sat Oct 15, 2022 ASHTON UNITED 510 1-2 L 11 Moonan 

Tue Oct 18, 2022 MARINE 356 0-0 D 12 - 

Sat Oct 22, 2022 WHITBY TOWN 428 1-0 W 15 Correia (p) 

Tue Oct 25, 2022 WARRINGTON TOWN (CSC) 147 1-1 W - Carson *Won 5-3 pens 

Sat Oct 29, 2022 FC UNITED OF MCR (MSC 1) 768 1-4 L - Caine 

Sat Nov 5, 2022 FC UNITED OF MANCHESTER 1,057 1-2 L 15 Correia (p) 

Sat Nov 12, 2022 STAFFORD RANGERS 693 3-0 W 18 Caine, Correia (2,1p) 

Sat Nov 19, 2022 ATHERTON COLLIERIES 370 1-1 D 19 Dagnall 

Sat Nov 26, 2022 WARRINGTON RYLANDS 396 1-2 L 19 Correia 

Sat Dec 3, 2022 WARRINGTON TOWN 574 1-1 D 20 O Abadaki 

Mon Dec 26, 2022 HYDE UNITED 1,708 1-0 W 23 Dagnall 

Mon Jan 2, 2023 LIVERSEDGE 569 4-2 W 26 Carson (3,1p), Correia 

Sat Jan 7, 2022 LANCASTER CITY 359 1-1 D 27 Dagnall 

Tue Jan 17, 2023 CAMMELL LAIRD (CSC) 178 3-0 W - Rouse, G Abadaki, Benns 

Sat Jan 21, 2022 NANTWICH TOWN 604 4-0 W 30 Pedro, Dagnall, Bailey-Jones, Harrison 

Sat Jan 28, 2023 GAINSBOROUGH TRINITY 709 2-0 W 33 Benns, Summers 

Tue Jan 31, 2023 RADCLIFFE 457 1-2 L 33 Benns 

Sat Feb 4, 2022 BAMBER BRIDGE 429 1-1 D 34 Harrison 

Tue Feb 7, 2022 MARINE 1,071 0-1 L 34 - 

Sat Feb 11, 2023 WHITBY TOWN 608 0-1 L 34 - 

Sat Feb 18, 2022 FC UNITED OF MANCHESTER 1,940 1-1 D 35 G Abadaki 

Tue Feb 21, 2023 MATLOCK TOWN 

Sat Feb 25, 2023 STAFFORD RANGERS 

Tues Fe28, 2022 CONGLETON TOWN (CSC QTR) 

Sat Mar 4, 2023 BELPER TOWN 

Sat Mar 11, 2022 SOUTH SHIELDS 

Sat Mar 18, 2022 MORPETH TOWN 

Sat Mar 25, 2023 ASHTON UNITED 

Sat Apr 1, 2022 MARSKE UNITED 

Sat Apr 8, 2022 GUISELEY 

Mon Apr 10, 2023 HYDE UNITED 

Sat Apr 15, 2022 WARRINGTON RYLANDS 

Sat Apr 22, 2023 ATHERTON COLLIERIES 

16 


MATCH PREVIEW 

WITH DEBORAH TAYLOR 

Tonight Celtic host Matlock Town at Bower Fold. Matlock are currently 

ninth on 46 points, seven places and 11 points ahead of Celtic with a 

game in hand. Kick-off is 7:45pm. 

Matlock topped the table in November, after beating Marske and Hyde, but 

since then, winning four, drawing four and losing four has seen them drop out of 

the top five. They drew their last away game 1-1 at South Shields, and won the one 

before, beating Nantwich 1-0. 

The previous game was their last loss away from home when Lancaster beat them 2-1. 

With 27 points from 45 at home (seven wins, six draws and two losses), their home form is better than their away 

form, which comes in at 19 points from 45, with six wins, a draw and eight losses. 

John Johnston and Alex Wiles are tying for the golden boot, on six goals each, but Matlock have more goal 

scorers than any other team, with 15 different goal scorers contributing to their 40 goals this season. 

They score an average of 1.3 goals per game overall but only 0.9 away, as they have the third worst away attack 

in the league, with only Stafford and Atherton scoring fewer on the road, though they have only failed to score 

three times, Matlock have only scored more than one twice this season, 2-0 at Stafford and 2-1 at Rylands. 

In total, Matlock have conceded thirty-six goals at a rate of 1.2, but they have conceded twenty-two of those 

away from home, at a rate of 1.5 goals per game. However, they have kept five of their 10 clean sheets on the 

road, two of which came in their last four away games at Nantwich and Stafford. 

We’ve already played Matlock this season, back in August, when we drew 1-1 away from home. 

Matlock’s last visit was in December last season when they beat us 2-0, following on from their 2-1 win over us 

in Derbyshire. 

In the brief respite from Lockdown, Celtic last beat Matlock 1-0 (with a stunning second half goal from Tony 

Whitehead), with our last win over them coming at Bower Fold in 2018 when we won 3-1 with goals from Matty 

Wolfenden, Scott Bakkor and Neil Kengni capping off a comprehensive win. 

Over the last 35 years, Matlock have made seven visits to Bower Fold. Celtic have won five and Matlock two. 

Raheem Hanley, Theo Bailey-Jones, Nathan Caine and Ciaran Summers all missed the last match through injury. 

A win for Celtic could put us 14th, with Ashton (away at Whitby), and Atherton (not playing) the only two within 

reach. With Lancaster (away to Guiseley), Morpeth (at home to Liversedge) and (with a seven-goal turnaround 

of goal difference) Nantwich (at home to Marske) could all overtake us should we lose, dropping us to 19th. With 

Liversedge and Marske both struggling, this is a possibility, so Celtic need a win. 

In Matlock’s last league match, the 1-1 away 

draw with South Shields, Matlock lined up as: 

In Celtic’s last league match, the 1-1 away draw 

with FC United, Celtic lined up as: 

1. JIM POLLARD 

2. JAMIE SHARMAN 

3. ETHAN CARTWRIGHT 

4. DAN BRADLEY 

5. ADAM YATES 

6. IOAN EVANS 

7. AL BYRNE 

8. CONNOR DIMAIO 

9. HARRY WAKEFIELD 

10. KARL DEMIDH 

11. JOHN JOHNSTON 

1. GREG HALL 

2. TOM MILLER 

3. BEN RICHARDSON 

4. KYLE HARRISON 

5. DAHRIUS WALDRON 

6. DOMAINE ROUSE 

7. DJ PEDRO 

8. GODWIN ABADAKI 

9. RAUL CORREIA 

10. CHRIS DAGNALL 

11. HARRY BENNS 

MATCH 

PREVIEW 


17

A LOOK AT... 

MATLOCK TOWN 

Matlock Town sprung to prominence as 

one of the leading non-league clubs in the 

country during the 1970s. 

They joined the NPL in 1969/70 and their early 

years in the competition saw them struggle 

towards the bottom of the league. 

Earlier they had won the Central Alliance 

Division North Champions in 1959/60 and 

1960/61, which saw them enter the Midland 

Counties League which they won in their 

debut season. Additionally in 1959/60 they 

reached the FA Cup First Round for the first 

time, losing 1-0 at home to Crook Town after 

a replay. 

When they won the Midland Counties League 

for the second time in 1968/69 they were 

invited to join the NPL, and they have now 

been members continuously since joining. 

Matlock won the FA Trophy at Wembley in 

April 1975, beating Scarborough 4-0, then a 

record winning margin for the Final and the 

only time when three brothers have played for 

the same club in a Wembley final as Tom, Mick 

and Nick Fenoughty played leading roles. 

Peter Swan had taken over as manager at the 

start of the season bringing about a fantastic 

attacking style to Matlock’s play. Success 

had come earlier in the 1974/75 campaign as 

Matlock progressed to the First Round of the 

FA Cup, losing 4-1 at home to eventual Third 

Division champions Blackburn Rovers in front 

of over 5,000 spectators. Two days after their 

Wembley win they captured the Derbyshire 

Senior Cup for the first time with a 6-1 home 

win against Glossop and an aggregate margin 

of 9-3. 

Tom Fenoughty replaced Swan as manager 

at the start of the 1976/77 season which saw 

Matlock reach the FA Cup Third Round for the 

one and only time. In Round Two Matlock beat 

eventual Third Division champions Mansfield 

Town 5-2 on their own ground, the Stags only 

home defeat of the campaign. Carlisle beat 

them in the next round and drew Liverpool 

away in Round Four! 

In 1977/78 Matlock won 

the NPL Cup by beating 

Boston United 3-0 in the final at Maine Road, 

Manchester to enable them to qualify for 

the Anglo-Italian tournament in 1979. They 

finished as English runners-up to Sutton 

United following 2-1 defeats to both Chieti 

and Pisa in Italy but beating Juniorcasale and 

Cremonese 2-0 at home. 

Matlock’s best league campaign to date 

was in 1983/84 when they finished runnersup 

to Barrow. Their last FA Cup First Round 

appearance was in 1989/90 when they were 

beaten 4-1 at Scunthorpe United. 

They lost their Premier Division status at the 

end of the 1995/96 campaign and did not 

return to the top flight until they finished 

second to Hyde United in the NPL First 

Division in 2003/04. In the following season 

they won the NPL Cup after beating Whitby 

Town in a two-legged final. 

Their most recent honours have been in 

the Derbyshire Senior Cup which they won 

in 2014/15 and 2016/17, on both occasions 

beating Gresley in the final at Chesterfield 

7-0 and 5-0 respectively. They have been 

giant killers in the FA Trophy though, beating 

Mansfield Town in 2012/13, Halifax and Solihull 

Moors in 2016/17 and Chorley in 2019/20.. 

They have one of the most picturesque 

grounds in the country and with a new stand 

and Social Club up and running since 2011, 

there are some top class facilities on the 

ground. 

Finally, why are Matlock nicknamed the 

Gladiators? A lot of people ask the question. 

It’s because one time PA announcer Jim 

Whitworth played the Entry of the Gladiators 

music as Matlock ran out on to the pitch, 

and it stayed, hence Matlock being known 

throughout the country as The Gladiators. 

18 


PLAYER PROFILES... 

MATLOCK TOWN 

JIM POLLARD (GOALKEEPER) 

Jim joined Matlock from 

Grantham Town in the 

summer after impressing 

for the Gingerbreads 

despite their relegation 

from the NPL Premier 

Division at the end of last 

season. He was with Sheffield 

United as a youngster and then had a season 

at Barrow before joining Maltby Main and a 

short spell at Gainsborough Trinity, playing for 

the Holy Blues in a 2-0 win at Matlock on New 

Year’s Day 2019. 

SAM OGDEN (GOALKEEPER) 

Sam signed for Matlock in July 2022 having 

previously played for them at reserve and 

academy level. He had spells at Staveley MW, 

Teversal, Clipstone and Hallam. He was called 

up by Matlock at short notice to play against 

York City in the FA Trophy last season when he 

impressed Matlock manager Paul Phillips. 

REECE KENDALL (DEFENDER) 

An athletic full back, Reece joined Matlock from 

NPL North West outfit Brighouse Town in the 

summer of 2019. He had long been on manager 

Paul Phillips’ radar, Phillips wanted to sign him 

previously when he was manager at Buxton. He 

made 26 appearances for Brighouse in 2019/20 

season, weighing in with a useful five goals. 

He has soon adapted to NPL Premier Division 

footballer and is also a useful cricketer, having 

hit a century for Matlock’s footballers against 

Matlock Cricket Club in a friendly game during 

the summer of 2021. The 2021/22 campaign 

was a personally successful one for Reece 

who weighed in with eight goals from left wing 

back with a string of great performances which 

saw him named as the NPL Premier Division 

Young Player of the Season, voted for by club 

managers. He also earned a call up to the 

England non-league team’s contingency squad 

for an international versus Wales. He was also 

named as the Gladiators Young Player of the 

Year in 2021/22. 

RYAN QUALTER 

(DEFENDER) 

Ryan is an experienced 

central defender who joined Matlock in the 

summer of 2020 following his release by 

Alfreton Town. He started out with Ossett Town 

and Bradford (Park Avenue) before playing 

with several of Matlock’s current squad at 

Shaw Lane. He joined Boston United in National 

League North in January 2018 before his move 

to Alfreton in the summer of 2019. Matlock beat 

a host of opposing clubs to his signature and 

his performances have shown just why. He was 

named in the NPL Premier Division’s team of 

the season in 2021/22 and collected both the 

fans and players player awards at Matlock. He 

has now taken over as club captain following 

the departure of Liam Hughes. 

JAMIE SHARMAN (DEFENDER) 

Jamie was Chesterfield’s 

Academy Player of the 

Year in 2018/19 before 

graduating to the first 

team. He was loaned 

out to Dover Athletic, 

Kidderminster Harriers 

and Blyth Spartans before 

Chesterfield released him during 

the summer of 2021. He had a good first season 

with the Gladiators last term. 

IOAN EVANS (DEFENDER) 

24 years old Ioan joined Matlock 

from Stalybridge Celtic in 

September 2021 having 

been an ever present in the 

Celtic defence during the 

opening fixtures of the new 

season, scoring three goals. 

He began his career at the 

Newport County Academy and 

played for both the Welsh Under 17 and Under 

19 teams. He moved to Sheffield United and 

had a loan spell at Boston United before being 

released by the Blades. He joined Gainsborough 

Trinity and then moved to Tadcaster Albion 

before switching to Stalybridge. Dangerous in 


19


MATLOCK TOWN 

both boxes standing at six foot plus and highly 

experienced in the National League North, Ioan 

has been consistent and has shown what an 

important signing he was for the club, 

NICO DE GIROLAMO (DEFENDER) 

Nico is back for a second spell at Matlock 

having signed during the summer. The Italian 

born defender’s first spell at Matlock began in 

2016/17 having previously with Heanor Town 

and Mickleover Sports. After leaving Matlock he 

has been at Buxton and Grantham Town, playing 

under Matlock manager Paul Phillips at Buxton. 

FINLAY PHILLIPS (DEFENDER) 

Finlay is the son of manager Paul and signed for 

the Gladiators in November 2021 after a spell at 

New Mills. 

ADAM BLAKELEY (DEFENDER) 

Adam joined the Gladiators on transfer deadline 

day in 2021/22 from Staveley Miners Welfare. 

He has also played with the Chesterfield youth 

sides and is described as one for the future by 

Matlock manager Paul Phillips. 

JOE FERGUSON (DEFENDER) 

Joe joined Matlock in July 2022 after spending 

eight years with Blackburn Rovers. Last season 

he impressed in a loan spell at Witton Albion. 

Born in Manchester but of Batak descent 

through his Indonesian grandmother, Joe 

expressed a desire to represent Indonesia 

internationally. Joe is essentially a right back 

with the ability to cause danger to opposition 

defences when he breaks forward. 

SEAN HIGGINS (DEFENDER) 

Sean joined Matlock in July 2022 from 

Altrincham after last season having been at 

Trafford on loan where he won both the Young 

Player of the Season and Players Player of the 

Season. Equally happy at either right or left 

back, Sean will add healthy competition to a 

defence which has been excellent in recent 

seasons. 

CALLUM CHIPPENDALE 

(MIDFIELD) 

A goalscoring midfielder 

aged 24 but with 

extensive experience 

at NPL level and above, Callum joined Matlock 

from Buxton in the summer of 2020 where he 

was captain. He played for Barnsley Under 23s 

before moving to Bradford (Park Avenue). Spells 

at Boston United, Gainsborough Trinity, Glossop 

North End and Shaw Lane followed before his 

move to Buxton. Callum is an extremely popular 

member of the Matlock squad who weighs in 

with some important goals. 

MARK LEES (MIDFIELD) 

Mark is an experienced midfielder who has 

National League North experience with 

Stockport County, Altrincham and Ashton 

United. Current Matlock manager Paul Phillips 

has managed him at both Ashton United and 

Stalybridge Celtic, while Mark has also played 

for Hyde United and Mossley in the NPL, Matlock 

signing him from Mossley during the summer 

of 2020. Mark’s best work is often unseen, he 

has an unselfish work ethic and does a lot of 

the unspectacular work which makes him a 

favourite with the Matlock supporters. 

ALEX WILES (MIDFIELD) 

Alex joined Matlock during the summer of 

2021 from Gainsborough Trinity. A high energy 

box to box midfielder, he began his career at 

Rotherham before playing for Stocksbridge Park 

Steels. Buxton and Tadcaster Albion. 

SIMON LENIGHAN (MIDFIELD) 

27 years old Simon is a central midfielder 

signed from Radcliffe in the summer who 

began his career at Leeds United, playing for 

both their Under 18 and Under 21 sides. He later 

went to Rotherham United from Frickley after 

also having spells at Bradford (Park Avenue), 

Halifax and Harrogate Town. After being 

released by Rotherham he was at Warrington 

Town, Altrincham, Shaw Lane, Guiseley, Glossop 

North End, Halifax again and Mossley before 

settling in at Buxton during 2019/20. After half a 

season at Radcliffe he joined AFC Telford before 

returning to Radcliffe at the start of last season. 

20 



MATLOCK TOWN 

REMI EFENNUGA (MIDFIELD) 

17 years old Remi joined Matlock in the summer 

of 2022 having previously been at Stoke City. A 

tall, athletic player, Remi has an eye for a goal 

and is described by manager Paul Phillips as 

“one for the future.” 

LEIGH WHELAN (MIDFIELD) 

Irishman Leigh joined Matlock in the summer 

of 2022. He progressed through three teams in 

Ireland to a League of Ireland eleven for two and 

a half years before recently joining Chesterfield. 

Last season he had a spell on loan at Sheffield 

FC. 

ALEX BYRNE (WINGER) 

An energetic and skilful winger, 

Alex joined Matlock in 

March 2020, playing three 

games before the Covid-19 

outbreak which curtailed 

the 2019/20 campaign. 

He began the 2019/20 

season at Warrington Town 

but signed for Buxton during the 

autumn. He had previously long been a thorn 

in Matlock’s side turning in match winning 

performances for Shaw Lane and Gainsborough 

Trinity, his pin point crosses leading to vital 

goals. He joined Warrington from Gainsborough 

at the start of the 2019/20 season. Alex scored 

some spectacular goals finishing as the club’s 

top scorer last season as well as claiming over 

thirty assists. 

ARRON OPOKU (FORWARD) 

26 years old Ghanaian Arron is a close season 

signing from Carlton Town having been with 

the Nottingham based club for the previous 

four seasons where he had built a reputation 

for being an aggressive and speedy striker. He 

netted 14 goals in 34 appearances for Carlton in 

2021/22. 

REON POTTS (FORWARD) 

Reon joined Matlock in the summer of 2022 

following his release by York City. He was on 

loan at Ossett United during the early part of 

the 2021/22 campaign 

before having further loan 

spells at Gainsborough 

Trinity and Belper Town. As a young boy he was 

with Sheffield United but joined York City from 

Scunthorpe United. 

KALLAN MURPHY (FORWARD) 

Kallan moved to England from Ireland to take 

part in Chesterfield’s football and education 

programme and has featured for their Under 

19s and Under 21s. He joined Matlock in the 

summer of 2022 and impressed in the preseason 

games. 

JEROME SLEW (FORWARD) 

Jerome joined Matlock in the 

summer of 2022 and is 

perhaps best known for 

his magnificent goal for 

Maldon & Tiptree in the FA 

Cup victory at Leyton Orient 

in November 2019. The pacy 

forward ran virtually the length 

of Brisbane Road before scoring 

with a crisp shot. During the season he scored 

over 30 times. He began his career at Sheffield 

United and actually had a loan spell at Matlock 

towards the end of the 2015/16 season. When 

Sheffield United released him in 2017, he joined 

Goole before moving to Chester. After leaving 

Maldon & Tiptree, he signed for Wealdstone in 

the National League before moving to Hampton 

& Richmond. He moved back up north towards 

the end of the 2021/22 season and went on loan 

to AFC Fylde. 

MATLOCK TOWN SQUAD DETAILS 


21

TODAY’S MATCHDAY PLAYLIST 

SELECTED BY CHRIS DALE 

1. POUNDING - DOVES 

2. LOVE WILL TEAR US APART - JOY DIVISION 

3. SUPERSONIC - OASIS 

4. CAN YOU DIG IT - MOCK TURTLES 

5. MADE OF STONE - STONE ROSES 

6. GETTING AWAY WITH IT - JAMES 

7. THE ONLY ONE I KNOW - CHARLATANS 

8. OVER MY SHOULDER - I AM KLOOT 

9. MOVE - INSPIRAL CARPETS 

10. VALERIE - THE ZUTONS 

11. TRUE FAITH - NEW ORDER 

12. I’VE GOT A FEELING - THE BEATLES 

13. MUNICH - EDITORS 

14. THIS CHARMING MAN - THE SMITHS 

15. DAKOTA - STEREOPHONICS 

16. EVER FALLEN IN LOVE - THE BUZZCOCKS 

17. THE RIVERBOAT SONG - OCEAN COLOUR SCENE 

18. PRETTY VACANT - SEX PISTOLS 

19. CUTT OFF - KASABIAN 

20. 24 HOUR PARTY PEOPLE - HAPPY MONDAYS 

What do you think of Chris’ selection? If you would like to submit 

your own playlist, please email: press@stalybridgeceltic.co.uk 

LISTEN TO 

TODAY’S 

PLAYLIST ON 

SPOTIFY 

22 


#ANDYSMANCLUB 

ALL OUR GROUPS 

MEET MONDAY 7PM 

SUICIDE IS THE BIGGEST 

KILLER OF MEN UNDER 45 

1 MAN EVERY 2 HOURS 

TO FIND YOUR NEAREST 

GROUP VISIT OUR WEBSITE 

WWW.ANDYSMANCLUB.CO.UK 

JOIN THE CONVERSATION 

info@andysmanclub.co.uk 

andysmanclub 

WWW.ANDYSMANCLUB.CO.UK 

andysmanclubuk 

@andysmanclubuk 

We are a peer to peer support group for men. 

Come have a brew and a chat! 

#ITSOKAYTOTALK 


A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE 

WITH MICHAEL BRIERLEY 

Stalybridge Celtic FC – 2001/2002 

The winning of an unprecedented treble had 

meant elevation back into the top tier of the 

pyramid system, returning as members of the 

Football Conference and hoping to replicate 

the real golden era of that earlier six-year 

spell. 

However, that joy was tempered though, 

on the eve of the campaign, with manager, 

Phil Wilson, opting to jump ship, perhaps 

realising the challenge that was to lie ahead. 

Undoubtedly, this created a little bit of turmoil 

with the previous years stars, in the main, 

moving on and a largely new team having to be 

built. This, in itself, led to some concerns as to 

how things would stack up, as this was clearly 

now a much stronger animal and environment 

than it had been previously. 

Paul Futcher was the new man at the helm, 

with success coming mainly in the cups, in 

what was an otherwise disappointing season. 

There was also to be a record victory in the 

traditional match up between the previous 

years winners of the Northern Premier 

League and League Cup, with the opposition 

of Lancaster City mainly fielding a team full 

of youth players but still, a trophy is always 

nice to win and it did add another one to the 

cabinet. 

With pyramid placings helping qualifying 

allocation then only Bedlington Terriers had 

to be beaten to secure another First Round 

appearance in the FA Cup. Here, Chesterfield 

were to prove conquerors. By far the highlight 

though, was a best ever performance in the FA 

Trophy, with a run to the quarter finals of the 

premier non league cup competition. Wins 

against Nuneaton Borough, Mangotsfield 

United and Gravesend & Northfleet set up a tie 

against Stevenage Borough, who ended the 

dream of a visit to Wembley by prevailing in 

a close game (Fish, Murphy, Crookes, Woods, 

Futcher, Beesley, Williamson, Parr, Ayorinde, 

Peacock, Pickford) 

Wins in the league against 

Morecambe and Doncaster 

Rovers did stand out as real bright spots 

but otherwise then this really was a difficult 

period. With survival becoming a priority, 

Dave Miller was brought in as manager in 

order to turn things around. For a while, it did 

look as if this might be possible, with a run 

of fixtures against teams in and around the 

relegation zone. Sadly though, there was to 

be no real upturn in form or results and this 

was only highlighted by an embarrassing last 

day defeat at Margate. 

Relegation was thus confirmed with a 21st 

place finish and the brief one year sojourn 

back into the big time was over. It is perhaps 

a myth that without the varying personnel 

changes then things may have been much 

different and all for the better but yet, in 

reality, this is such a hard judgement call to 

make. It surely had to be recognised that 

by now then the game and competition, in 

general terms, had changed a great deal in 

such a short period of time and was now just 

much bigger and better than ever before. 

The opportunity to start the journey, all over 

again, was therefore now once more on the 

horizon. 

2001/2002 – Sammy Ayorinde, Glyn 

Barker, Jason Batty, Paul Beesley, Steve 

Bushell, Matthew Clements, Gerrard 

Courtney, Dominic Crookes, Andy 

Evans, David Fish, Ben Futcher, Alex 

Higgins, Gary Ingham, Leon Kelly, Stuart 

Locke, Boris Marivat, Matthew McNeil, 

Adrian Mike, Ged Murphy, Kevin Parr, 

Richard Peacock, Chris Perkins, Steve 

Pickford, Andy Scott, Ian Senior, Anthony 

Shandron, Winfield Steele, Phil Trainer, 

James Turley, Leigh Walker, David 

Walsh, Derek Ward, Nathan Wharton, 

Matthew Williamson, Steve Wood, Robert 

Woodhead, Matthew Woods 

24 


THE HALF TIME QUIZ: 

FINGERS ON THE BUZZER… 

It’s time to test your footballing knowledge once again in this weekend’s Half Time Quiz. We’ve 

got all the usual suspects and a chance for you to win free entry to a game of your choice. 

SPOT THE BALL: 

If you fancy free entry for a Bridge home game of your choice then be fastest finger first in this 

week’s Spot the Ball comp. All you need to do to enter is head over to our Twitter or Facebook 

account at half time and drop your answer in the replies to the Spot the Ball thread… 

Congratulations to Martin 

‘Rascal’ Pollitt who correctly 

guessed that the ball was in 

position D in the programme 

for our home game against 

Whitby. We’ll see you down at 

the ‘Fold on us. 

BRAIN TEASER: 

We’ve welcomed a few loanees over the past few weeks, and down the years we’ve had some who 

have really stood out, going on to be fan favourites in the short time they were with us. Below you’ll 

find a list of players who’ve spent time on loan with us, but can you tell us where they were on loan 

from? 

‣ Jake Turner ‣ Alex Cairns ‣ Dominic Calvert-Lewin 

‣ Leon Kelly ‣ Paddy Gamble 

NAME THE XI: 

xxxxxxxx 

1. ????? 

2. ????? 

3. Jerome Fitzgerald 

4. Barrie Keeling 

5. Gregg Pearce 

6. Nathan Wharton 

7. Ross Clegg 

8. Kevin Parr 

9. ????? 

10. Chris Denham 

11. Colin Potts 

Answers can be found 

on page 32. 


25

26 


UPDATE 

SUPPORTERS ASSOCIATION 

Bridge Aid 2023! Get Your 

Tickets… 

Tickets are still available for Bridge 

Aid 2023 which takes place this 

coming Sunday (February 26) at 

Stalybridge Labour Club. 

Organised by the SCSA and live 

music promotor Stylish Riot, it’s all 

set to be an excellent day with a 

stellar line up that includes Plastic 

Hearts, Cobain Jones, Alex Spencer 

and Jacob Reddy, while there is also 

set to be a special guest appearance 

from one of our very own Celtic fans. 

The entertainment gets underway 

from 3pm through until 11pm, with 

tickets costing £10 as well as free for 

under-12s with a paying adult. 

All profits from ticket sales will go to 

the SCSA fun, with the association 

committed to raising £25,000 by the 

end of the season to help with offfield 

finances and pushing towards a 

25% stake in the club. 

We’d encourage everyone to come 

down for what will be a fantastic day 

of live music. 

You can purchase tickets by clicking 

here or by visiting the Bier Hut either 

this evening or on Saturday. 

The SCSA is also looking for 

volunteers for this event. Anyone 

interested can email the organiser 

Sam Gosling at: stylishriotltd@ 

gmail.com. 

SCSA Raffle Winner - Pete 

Troy! 

Congratulations to Pete Troy who won 

the recent SCSA raffle for a case of 

six bottles of wine. Drawn following 

the Whitby game, the raffle helped 

raise £115 towards the SCSA fund. 

A huge thank you to everyone that 

bought a ticket and took part. 

Enjoy your wine Pete! 


27

MY CELTIC XI 

WITH MIKE BRIERLEY 

Years Supporting Club: 

First Game: 

All-Time Favourite Player: 

Favourite Memory: 

34 seasons 

A dour 0-0 draw against 

Frickley Athletic on 2nd 

March 1991 

Tony Sullivan 

A 6-1 away win at Kettering Town 

on the last day of the 1995/1996 season but ultimately the 

runners up and championship winning years of 1990/1991 and 

1991/1992 are my earliest and fondest memories. That and of 

course the subsequent six years that followed in the Football 

Conference plus the whole unprecedented treble success. 

RUSS HUGHES 

PAUL BENNETT 

PAUL DIXON 

JOHN ASPINALL 

LEE COATHUP 

BRENDAN BURKE 

PAUL SYKES 

STEVE JONES 

TONY SULLIVAN 

CHRIS CAMDEN 

MARK EDWARDS 

SUBS: GARY BAURESS, RICKY BLACKMAN, JOHN BROWN, DOMINIC CALVERT-LEWIN, MARTIN FILSON, 

GARY INGHAM, REG MAGUIRE, PAUL MCNALLY 

What do you think of Mike’s selection? If you would like to submit your Celtic Best XI, 

please email: press@stalybridgeceltic.co.uk 

28 


The Daniel Wilkinson Foundation is a charity set up in memory of Daniel 

Wilkinson who died in 2016 aged 24, while playing the game he loved, from 

an underlying heart condition called Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular 

Cardiomyopathy (ARVC). 

Dan played football from an early age and joined Hull City AFC when he 

was 10, earning a professional contract aged 18. Loughborough 

University followed where he completed a degree in Accounting and 

Financial Management while playing non-league football. He was an 

athlete who enjoyed the gym and took his health and nutrition very 

seriously. He lived life to the full and had so much ahead of him. 

Other than feeling light-headed on a few occasions in the month 

before he died, he had no symptoms! 

SUDDEN CARDIAC DEATH IN THE 

YOUNG (SCD) 

SCD is the leading cause of death in young 

athletes during sport and the majority of deaths 

occur with NO SYMPTOMS or family history. 

ARVC can be found in one in every 1,000 to 

5,000 young adults - IF IT IS LOOKED FOR. 

Warning signs may include light-headedness, 

fainting, palpitations, swollen legs, 

breathlessness. 

Every week in the UK, 12 apparently fit and 

healthy young people (aged 35 and under) die 

from previously undiagnosed heart conditions. 

In Italy, where screening is mandatory for all 

young people engaged in organised sport, they 

have reduced the incidence of young sudden 

cardiac death by 89%. 

The Daniel Wilkinson Foundation has been 

set up to raise awareness of SCD and to 

provide funding towards heart screening, 

defibrillators and CPR/defibrillator training 

primarily for grass-roots sporting teams. 

Tragedies can be prevented through cardiac 

screening. It is vital that young people are 

identified and treated. 

Find out more 

@dannywilks5 

OUR MISSION 

thedanielwilkinsonfoundation 

dwfoundation5 

contact@thedanielwilkinsonfoundation.org 

thedanielwilkinsonfoundation.org 


To donate: mydonate.bt.com/charities/thedanielwilkinsonfoundation

INSIDE THE DRESSING ROOM.. 

WITH GREG HALL 

Well, where do you start with Greg? He’s just our number one isn’t he… 

Arriving at the club in pre-season, Greg came with a wealth of experience, trips 

to Wembley and as a four-time winner of the North West Counties Goalkeeper 

of the Season award. But it’s perhaps his personality, his time for fans, and his 

love of three points that we love most on the terraces. 

His enthusiasm comes off as infectious and his passion for the game second 

to none. And then to top all that off, he’s blooming good too! 

We caught up with the Celtic stopper to find out a little more about him… 

Team You Support: Manchester United 

Favourite Food: Any dessert 

Best Player Played With: Chris Dagnall 

Best Player Played Against: Jamie Roe 

Dream Holiday: Disneyland USA 

Favourite TV Show: Match of the Day 

Hi Greg, you’ve fast become a favourite on the 

terraces at Celtic. How are you finding life at the club? 

The first reason I came to Celtic was because of the fans. I wanted 

to play for a team with passionate fans who travel home and away 

and after playing against Stalybridge numerous times throughout 

the last six years, I knew they would be the right team. And they 

do, every single game. 

What has been your favourite moment of the season 

so far? 

My favourite moment so far has to be our victories. Watching 

the team win means they have run more and harder than the 

opposition, so any victory makes me very happy! 

We’ve enjoyed some excellent saves from you so far 

this season, but are there any that stand out to you? 

The saves I’m most proud of are the simple ones, maybe a oneon-one. 

But the defenders in front of me have played with passion 

and composure, which makes my job a lot easier. I’m proud to be 

part of this team as it’s one of the best I’ve been involved with. 

Although not having a goalkeeping coach, I can struggle where 

others don’t, but I try my best with the resources we have. Big 

shout out to our very own Connor Leach though, he’s a top class 

goalie who helps me as much as he can. 

We’ve seen you at the other end of the pitch in recent 

weeks too. Of course, it’s not an ideal scenario, but is 

it exciting for a goalkeeper? You weren’t far off scoring 

against Radcliffe! 

It’s definitely not an ideal situation and I don’t ever want to do 

it but after playing up top for a team many moons ago with both 

Dahrius and Domaine, I know I have it in my locker to help the 

team in an offensive manner. I’d rather be trying to keep them out 

in order to win the game though, and so would the defence! 

How does a typical matchday look for you? Any 

superstitions or routines you have before kick off? 

It sounds rank but I hate dry feet, so I wet the bottom of my feet 

before putting my socks on! Connor and I warm up the same before 

every match. So, I suppose that’s a bit of a superstition. 

It feels like you have really bought into the club as a 

whole. Is this something you’ve tried to do with clubs 

throughout your career? 

As I’ve only played as high as this level, I’ve tried my best to 

connect with the fans as much as possible as these people are 

definitely the driving force of any club at our level. I’m passionate, 

focused and I hate to lose, and I’d like to think my teammates 

do as well. 

You have enjoyed a trip to Wembley during your career. 

What was the day like? A real pinch yourself moment? 

Getting to Wembley with the gaffer was an absolute pleasure and 

possibly the pinnacle of my career. But my fondest was winning 

Goalkeeper of the Year a record three times in the North West 

Counties, then making the move to this league. Having only started 

my goalkeeping career at 25 after running for Sale Harriers and 

gaining a second black belt in karate, just imagine how good I 

could have been! However, the whole weekend was immense as we 

trained at Arsenal the day before and met Mr Wenger! Absolute 

deluxe style carpet as well, the pitch was another level. 

The list of awards you’ve won at both club and league 

level is quite outstanding, and we’re sure there are 

plenty of goalkeepers in the game and on the terraces 

who really look up to you. If there’s one piece of advice 

you could give them at making it at this level, and 

beyond, what would it be? 

The advice I would give to anyone would be to take the lows and 

highs with a pinch of salt because you’re only as good as your 

last game. Be positive, humble and never think you’re better than 

anybody else! 

And finally, there is a strong bond with yourself and 

the fans, particularly some of our younger contingent. 

Do you have a message for them at all? 

My message to all the younger fans is that the more vegetables 

you eat, the further you will be able to kick a football!! 

30 


THE FIRST REASON I CAME 

TO CELTIC WAS BECAUSE OF THE 

FANS. I WANTED TO PLAY FOR 

A TEAM WITH PASSIONATE FANS 

WHO TRAVEL HOME AND AWAY. 

AND THEY DO, EVERY 

SINGLE GAME. 


31

QUIZ ANSWERS 

BRAIN TEASER: 

Jake Turner (Bolton Wanderers), Alex Cairns (Leeds United), 

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Sheffield United), Leon Kelly (Cambridge United), 

Paddy Gamble (Nottingham Forest) 

NAME THE XI: 

1. Craig Dootson, 

2. Dave German, 

9. Kenny Mayers 

32 


The Premier League, 

The FA and Government 

are together for football. 

Unlocking the power of 

pitches, strengthening 

communities, transforming 

lives, tackling inequalities 

& improving accessibility 

through the Football 

Foundation. 

Find out more about the 

Football Foundation, its impact 

and plans for your local area: 

footballfoundation.org.uk 


33

For people, clubs, 

and businesses 

like you 

The official insurance provider to the 

Pitching In Northern Premier League. 

From insurance to risk management and 

employee health and benefits*, it’s our 

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A business of Marsh McLennan

A GUIDE TO CONGLETON TOWN: 

YOUR AWAY DAY PLANNER 

Our next fixture on the road is a biggie as we travel to 

Congleton Town in the Cheshire Senior Cup Quarter Final. 

The club hasn’t won the competition since 2001 and it’s been a decade 

since we reached the final. 

The lads would love your support, and here’s all you need to know about 

that Tuesday evening trip over… 

• THE NEED TO KNOW: 

Gameday: 

Distance from Bower Fold: 31.2 miles 

Ground Address: 

Entry Fee: 

• GETTING THERE - BY CAR: 

Est: 1 hour 

Tuesday February 28, 2023 - 7.45pm 

The Cleric Stadium Ivy Gardens, Congleton, 

Cheshire CW12 4GA 

£7 Adults, £5 Concessions, £3 Under-16s 

• From the M60, Junction 1 (Stockport) go clockwise, towards Preston. 

• At Junction 3 (A34) For Cheadle leave the M60 and join Kingsway Crescent 

(A34) towards Handforth. 

• You will stay on the A34 for about 16 miles, into Congleton. 

• As you come into Congleton, you will reach the Clayton Bypass. 

• Almost as soon you are on this road, you will reach a roundabout. 

• Go straight across (exit 3 of 5) to stay on Clayton 

Bypass. 

• At the next roundabout, turn right (exit 3 of 4) onto 

West Street. 

• You will pass a fire station on your left and a church 

on your right. 

• Take the next right after the fire station onto 

Booth Street. 

• The ground is at the bottom of Booth 

Street. 


35

36

FROM THE ARCHIVES 

MONDAY FEBRUARY 21, 2011 

HYDE UNITED 0-2 STALYBRIDGE CELTIC 

National League North 

Hyde struggled to find any kind of fluency against a stuttering Celtic, and 

never really threatened Jan Budtz goal. 

Phil Marsh had an early chance as Connor Jenning’s cross flashed across the 

face of goal before Steve Brogan put the perfect ball between the centrebacks 

for Marsh to run onto. He drew the keeper and slotted the ball between 

Kyle Clancy’s legs. It could have been two seconds later when he turned onto 

Mitchell Austin’s low pass but Chris Lynch’s stuck out leg denied him. 

At the other end, Hyde’s only real effort came from the boot of Tranmere loan 

player Danny Hudson, who tried his luck from distance, it looked to be going 

wide, but Jan Budtz made sure at his post. Hyde’s best chance came from a 

whipped in cross from Ashley Young that Dale Johnson threw a boot at, but his 

legs weren’t long enough. 

Celtic started the second half, but Hyde appeared to have stayed in the dressing 

room. Austin’s underpowered snap-shot was a comfortable catch for Clancy, 

but he was nowhere near Brogan’s corner, which he cheekily curled to the near 

post, striking the corner of the frame. 

It looked like Celtic would try and frustrate their hosts, 

hitting when openings presented themselves. Adam Kay’s 

ball over the top allowed Marsh to leave Scott McNiven in 

his wake and go one-on-one with Clancy. Marsh rounded 

the Hyde keeper, who slid in taking Marsh’s legs. Clancy 

walked, with McNiven taking the keeper jersey and facing 

Brogan’s penalty. Brogan converted comfortably, and Celtic 

never looked more comfortable. It was a case of avoiding 

conceding and injuries for Celtic as they kept Hyde at arms 

length for the remainder of the match. 

WATCH THE MATCH HIGHLIGHTS 


37

38 


IT’S IN THE NET 

WITH DEBORAH TAYLOR 

TODAY’S VISITORS: MATLOCK TOWN 

Scorers 22/23 H A 1st 2nd Tot LAST 5 LEAGUE RESULTS 

Wiles, Alex 3 4 4 2 6 South Shields A Sat 18 Feb 23 1-1 D 

Murphy, Kallan 3 1 3 1 4 Guiseley H Tue 14 Feb 23 0-1 L 

Johnston, John 1 3 2 2 4 Warrington Town H Sat 11 Feb 23 0-0 D 

Byrne, Alex 4 0 1 3 4 Nantwich Town A Tue 07 Feb 23 1-0 W 

Barnett, Jordan 3 0 1 2 3 FC United H Sat 04 Feb 23 1-0 W 

BONUS STAT 

Matlock have had more goal scorers than any other 

team with 15. Only Stafford and Atherton have scored 

fewer away from home. Every game they’ve been 

losing away from home at half time, they’ve gone on 

to lose (five in total), whilst of the six they drew at 

half time they went onto lose three and win three. 

QUICK STATS 22/23 (AWAY AND OVERALL) 

Average goals 0.9 1.3 Total goals 16 27 

Average concede 1.5 1.2 Total Concede 16 37 

Scored in 12 25 Clean sheets 6 8 

Conceded in 10 20 Failed to score 4 10 

Away Record 6W 1D 8L Current Position 19th 

CELTIC’S LAST RESULTS AGAINST MATLOCK TOWN 

23/08/22 A 1-1 D NP Woods 44 Barnett 60 

11/12/21 H 0-2 L NP Qualter 46; Uchegbulam 71 

11/09/21 A 2-1 L NP Bakkor 45p Byrne 46, 53 

16/11/19 A 0-1 W NP Whitehead 57 

17/11/18 A 3-1 L NP Tongue 63 Marshall 1, Jackson 90; Green 90 

SUMMARY SINCE 2000 

OVERALL 

AT BOWER FOLD 

Wins 

Loses 

Draws 

Wins 

Loses 

Draws 

1 

5 

3 

1 

2 

Last league win 

Saturday 22nd 

September 

2018 3-1 


39

40 


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There are many different volunteer roles in non-league football and 

Northern Premier League football clubs need your help with them. 

The Trident Leagues and Pitching In have recently launched a new 

online Volunteer Hub where you can find opportunities and contact 

your local football club. 

Please visit 

Pitchinginvolunteers.co.uk 

to find out more 


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42


43

TODAY’S TEAMS 

AT BOWER FOLD 

STALYBRIDGE CELTIC 

Greg Hall 

Connor Leach 

Ben Richardson 

Kyle Harrison 

Jacob Lara 

Glebs Klujevs 

Raheem Hanley 

Ciaran Summers 

Dahrius Waldron 

Alfie Henderson 

Ethan Padden 

Tom Miller 

Harry Benns 

David Edwards 

Matthew Jones 

Aarron Grewal 

George Omokua 

Godwin Abadaki 

Domaine Rouse 

Nathan Caine 

Djavan Pedro 

Chris Dagnall 

Raul Correia 

MATLOCK TOWN 

Jim Pollard 

Jamie Sharman 

Ethan Cartwright 

Dan Bradley 

Adam Yates 

Ioan Evans 

Al Byrne 

Connor Dimaio 

Harry Wakefield 

Karl Demidh 

John Johnston 

Jerome Slew 

Jaz Goundry 

Saul Milovanovic 

Alexander Duhameau 

Ben Henderson 

Saul Deeney 

Robbie McNicholas 

Brad Abbott 

Harrison Taylor 

Referee: Thomas Swift 

Assistants: Jacob Burton and Jack Lambert 

Supporters are warned that is an offence under the Ground Regulations and Club Code of Conduct to enter the field of play - AT ANY 

TIME HOME AND AWAY Supporters who enter the field of play will be ejected from the stadium and may be subject of a banning 

order. All people entering Bower Fold and its environs are reminded of their obligations with regard to foul and abusive language and 

comments and remarks that could be construed as offensive, discriminatory and or racist to any group or creed. The directors have 

asked that all fans, home and away, behave in a manner that does credit to this fine football club. By Order of Stalybridge Celtic FC. 

STALYBRIDGE CELTIC FOOTBALL CLUB LIMITED(THE) Company number 00292254

19 - Stalybridge Celtic vs Matlock Town

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