Bank holiday football round-up: Bridge see off Bury

Chants of ‘can we play you every week?’ rang around Gigg Lane on Bank Holiday Monday as Stalybridge Celtic defeated Bury on their home turf for the second time in six days. 

After a string of early chances for The Shakers, a quickfire Celtic double on the stroke of half-time turned the game on its head. 

The visitors took the lead against the run of play on 42 minutes when Brandon Newell’s half-volley nestled into the bottom right corner before Ruben Jerome turned in from close range after his initial effort was saved. 

Despite being a man light for the final half an hour after Andy Scarisbrick saw red for a high challenge on Bobby Carroll, Jon Macken’s side managed to go unscathed and record another statement victory. 

“I’m absolutely delighted,” Macken told the Reporter following the win. 

“The lads all put a shift in today, every single one of them including the subs that came on, we worked for that win. 

“It’s a challenge to play twice in two days, it’s such a quick turnaround, and to bounce back from Saturday’s defeat and play like we did, I’m delighted.” 

Elsewhere, in the National League North, Curzon Ashton overcame Buxton in a five-goal thriller to get their first win of the Mark Bradshaw era. 

The Nash got off to a flying start after Brad Holmes fired them in front on two minutes before Tai Sodje levelled mid-way through the first half. 

Second-half headers from Charlie Weston and Joe Rodwell-Grant – both set up by former Buxton man Jack Stobbs - then put the visitors in control, and Ryan McClean’s late strike would only turn out to be a consolation. 

“It’s a credit to the group that we’ve come here and beat one of the favourites to win the league,” said a relieved Bradshaw at full-time. 

“After Saturday’s disappointment, I just asked for character, and I feel every player showed that today. 

“We drew the first two games of the season through naively losing our lead, but today we’ve showed that we’re learning. 

“It’s not always about the fancy side of the game, you’ve got to be able to manage the final minutes of matches, and I thought we did that.” 

In the NPL Premier, Ashton United toppled table toppers FC United of Manchester at Hurst Cross. 

Robins skipper Luke Burke volleyed the hosts in front on the half-hour mark before Al Byrne swept in a second just past the hour following a swift counter. 

Jan Palinkas bundled home from a corner to half the deficit moments later and a barrage of pressure followed. 

Steve Cunningham’s side managed to weather the storm and sealed the win deep into added time when Callum Rowe curled into a vacant net from just inside the FC half after goalkeeper Dan Atherton came up for a late corner. 

“To stand up and be counted and put a performance in like that was exceptional,” Cunningham told the club following the victory. 

“Once they scored they really put it on us, and I think we’d have drawn or lost that game last year. 

“You’ve got to stay switched on and be organised, and I think that’s a skill we’ve obtained this year.” 

In the same division, it was a Bank Holiday Monday to forget for Hyde United, who slumped to a 3-0 defeat at Ilkeston. 

All three goals came in the first half with Sam Parker nodding the hosts ahead on 21 minutes before Jamie Walker added a second from the spot 10 minutes later. 

Robbie Fox was on hand to add a third in first-half stoppage time and condemn the Tigers to their third defeat of the season. 

“We’ve not had consistency all season, that’s the one thing we’re lacking,” said a frustrated Nick Spooner after the final whistle. 

“The number one thing is work rate, and we’ve not worked again today. 

“Conceding goals has never been a problem, but this year we look vulnerable every time someone comes forward against us. 

“I’d say we’re mentally weak. Do we need to bring new people in, yeah we probably do.” 

Finally in the NPL West, Mossley are without a win in five after a 1-0 loss at home to local rivals Avro. 

The Lilywhites had one cleared off the line in the first half, but the decisive moment came 15 minutes from time when Dylan Gairns fired the visitors ahead. 

“The second- half was the worst we’ve played all season,” admitted a bemused Alex Craddock after the defeat. 

“First half I thought we were strong, we created a lot of issues from set pieces and got into some good areas, so I don’t really understand where that second-half performance has come from.”