Tuesday football round-up: Bridge bounce back

Following Saturday’s loss at Shifnal Town, Stalybridge Celtic quickly returned to winning ways on Tuesday with a 3-1 win away to Clitheroe. 

After a goalless first half, Ellis Horan broke the deadlock in style early in the second with a stunning 25-yard strike which looped over the goalkeeper on its way in. 

A goalmouth scramble 20 minutes from time then ended with Joshua Briggs tapping home to draw the hosts level before Celtic restored their lead just a minute later. 

Benni Smales-Braithwaite made it double figures for the campaign with a pinpoint curling effort into the far corner, before substitute Dylan Scott’s stoppage time strike then put Celtic out of sight. 

I’m delighted with the win, it’s a great way to react from Saturday,” said a jubilant Jon Macken following the victory. 

“Second half we were excellent, we scored three fantastic goals. 

“Credit to the lads, I thought they really worked hard. 

“I’m disappointed with the way we conceded, but the reaction to it was fantastic.” 

Elsewhere, Ashton United bounced back from Saturday’s defeat to Whitby Town with a 2-0 win over Hebburn Town at Hurst Cross. 

Two first half goals from The Robins saw them see off their North East based opponents and move up to 12th in the NPL Premier table. 

An early mistake from Hebburn stopper Daniel Cameron presented Al Byrne with an opportunity he couldn’t miss, before Luca Navarro curled in a second just past the half-hour mark. 

Despite a late fightback from the visitors, Steve Cunningham’s side managed to hold firm and seal a crucial win. 

“That’s kept me in a job hasn’t it,” joked Cunningham after the win. 

“It’s been a long time coming, and it’s been a stressful couple of weeks. 

“First half I thought we were excellent, and really good value for 2-0. 

“The two goals were fantastic, and it just set the tone for the game.” 

Finally, in the NPL West, Mossley recorded their sixth draw in 11 games after their clash with Runcorn Linnets ended goalless at Seel Park.