Stalybridge preview
It comes around again, and it’s the “old firm derby”. Okay it’s not the Glasgow version, but it adds a bit of spice for any Rangers v Celtic fixture. This season has good memories with our game at Bower Fold last October saw us record our first three points of the season. We now have the opportunity to record our first double of the season. Something potentially made a bit easy in the knowledge that Stalybridge have sold their leading marksman to South Shields. Darius Osei has moved, having scored 14 goals for Stalybridge this season. They will no doubt have an adequate replacement so cannot take too much into that but remember that in all competitions we are now 6 games unbeaten, so yet again something to build on if the great escape is possible.
When you look at the league table you would think that a side in 22nd and bottom spot at home to a side lying 8th with 20 more points, you would expect to be a banker away win. Especially when you see that Stalybridge away league record this season is 6 wins, 3 draws and 5 defeats. However, in our last 5 league games we have one win, 3 draws and a defeat while Stalybridge have one draw and 4 defeats in their last five games. Can we catch them on a downward slide and add to their poor run of form? Our last two games have seen us get a well-deserved point away at 7th placed Witton and a dogged 10 man fight to secure a draw against Buxton.
Could Stalybridge be the next to fall to our revival. If you get to the game Saturday, you may be in a position to see that. Keep the faith, the great escape has only just started.

Games played on February 8th this century.
2003 Worcester H 2-1 Southern League