Tuesday night it is the “old firm” derby. Sadly, not the big event in Glasgow, but the NPL version as Stafford Rangers visit Stalybridge Celtic. Fresh from our “theft” of a point at Scarborough we again attempt to get three points on the board. Those elusive 3 points could have been obtained on Saturday if Sam Coulson’s late header had hit the post and spun in instead of going away from goal. However, had that gone in it would have been daylight robbery, but we would not have minded. It just sums up the poor run of luck we are experiencing.
While we have the 5th best defence in the league having conceded only 12 goals in 10 games it is the fact that we have the worst scoring record, due to no wins which sees us in the relegation places. This is something we need to address quickly, and I know the management team are striving to rectify this as seen buy the loan signing of Bradley Grayson who scored the equaliser on Saturday at Scarborough.
Our away record in the league shows 2 draws and 3 defeats, but the 2 draws came at our recent away games at Morpeth and Scarborough, results that sides near the top would have been proud of. We must take this run and get the 3 points off Stalybridge. Their home record show 3 wins and 3 defeats. The losses came against Atherton, Radcliffe and FC United which potentially could give us some hope as these sides languish in the bottom half of the table. The three wins have been against Grantham, a 5-1 thrashing of Scarborough and last Saturdays win over Bamber Bridge which saw Stalybridge turn around a half time deficit to win.
A Tuesday night is never conducive to a large travelling group but if we can continue our current form, who knows what can happen. Please therefore try to get to Bower fold on Tuesday and let’s see if Andy Fearn can get one over his previous employer. As Andy has already eluded to, we got our first win last season by beating Stalybridge. Come on lightening you can strike in the same place again.
Games payed on October 15th this century
2005 Redditch H 3-3 Conference North
2011 Chasetown A 1-0 Northern Premier league
2016 Coalville H 2-1 Northern Premier League
