Weekend football round-up: Bridge breeze into next round

Stalybridge Celtic cruised into the FA Trophy Second Qualifying Round on Saturday after a 2-0 win at home to fellow NPL West side Trafford. 

Jack Irlam fired Celtic ahead from the spot early on after he was brought down inside the penalty area, finding the bottom right corner despite Sam Booth guessing the right way. 

Second-half substitute Elliot Rokka then sealed the win 20 minutes from time, with Charlie Doyle cutting the ball back for the forward to slot home just five minutes after coming on. 

“I’m pleased, really,” said Stalybridge boss Jon Macken following the win. 

“Listen, I don’t think it was our greatest performance, but we worked hard, got our two goals, and we’re through to the next round. 

“It was one of those afternoons where we had to dig deep and grind out a result, and I think we did that.” 

Macken’s side will welcome NPL West leaders Lower Breck to Bower Fold in the next round, before hosting National League North side Chester this Saturday in the FA Cup Second Qualifying Round. 

“It’s a big game for the football club and a massive opportunity for us to go and make a statement,” Macken continued. 

“It’s going to be a really tough game, but one that we’ve got to go out and enjoy. 

“We’ve earnt the right to play a team like Chester, so we’ve got to believe that we can get a result.” 

Elsewhere, Mossley exited the competition after falling to a 1-0 defeat at Bridlington Town. 

Ben Farrar’s goal inside the opening 60 seconds was enough to see the home side through, after a flurry of chances went begging for the visitors. 

The Lilywhites reacted well to going behind, with Reece Webb-Foster and Isaac Graham forcing saves from Jonathan Dash early on, but when the away side had yet another effort cleared off the line in the second half, it seemed it was not going to be their day. 

“We spend three hours getting here and concede in the first minute, it’s ridiculous,” said a frustrated Alex Craddock at full-time. 

“The defence know, Fin [Madigan] knows, it’s not good enough. 

“But for the next 90 minutes after that, especially the first 15, I thought we were superb. 

“I don’t know how we’ve not got owt [anything] out of it,” added the Yorkshireman. 

In the NPL Premier, Hyde United were involved in a topsy turvy 3-3 draw at Hebburn Town, which would prove to be Nick Spooner’s last game in charge. 

The 54-year-old resigned from his position just over 24 hours after the final whistle, ending his three-year association with the club. 

After putting the hosts ahead on seven minutes, Oliver Martin was given his marching orders midway through the first half following an off the ball incident with Shakeel Jones-Griffiths, who was also sent for an early bath. 

Martin’s namesake Gary then flicked home a second just past the hour, before Jack Redshaw fired into the top right corner moments later to half the deficit.  

From there, four minutes of madness ensued. 

Nyal Bell headed home an equaliser on 78 minutes before Matty Elsdon restored Hebburn’s lead two minutes later, only for Bell to fire in his second and draw Hyde level once again with 8 minutes to go. 

“We didn’t get out of the blocks,” said Hyde assistant manager Martin Coyne following the draw. 

“We were still on the coach first half, and we could’ve been four or five nil down. 

“If we were playing Monopoly, I think we’d say we used our get out of jail free card. 

“But second half we changed the shape and went for it, and the lads dug in.” 

In the NWCFL First Division North, Droylsden’s 2-1 win at home to Colne saw them climb to the top of the table. 

The Bloods drew first blood on 14 minutes when Nellson Van’s cross was turned into his own net by Sam Lloyd, before Van rifled in a second on the stroke of half time. 

Former Curzon Ashton forward Miles Storey pulled one back for the visitors on the hour mark, but Dave Pace’s side managed to hold on and seal a crucial win. 

Droylsden will be looking to extend their winning run to five matches this weekend when they travel to 15th placed Bacup Borough. 

In the National League North, Curzon Ashton came from behind to earn a point at newly promoted Bedford Town. 

The Nash went ahead initially when Alex Curran tapped home after Jimmy Spencer’s long-range effort was spilled into his path, but the hosts drew level just before the break through Tyrone Marsh. 

Ellis Brown then smashed the home side in front midway through the second half after Timi Sobowale’s clearance fell kindly for him just outside the six-yard box, but it was Curzon who would have the final say. 

Tony Weston rescued a point for his side on 64 minutes, stabbing home from close range after Brad Holmes’ initial effort was directed his way. 

“I’m disappointed we haven’t won,” said Nash boss Mark Bradshaw after the final whistle. 

“It was an open game, they showed a lot of quality going forward, but they were very open at the back. 

“With the counter attacks we had in the second half, we maybe should’ve got more than the one goal. 

“You’d probably take a draw before the game, but in the end, the lads are quite disappointed.” 

Bradshaw’s side’s attention turns to the FA Cup this weekend, as they welcome NPL Premier side Hebburn Town to the Tameside Stadium. 

Finally, in the NWCFL Premier, Glossop North End’s misery continued with a 4-0 thumping at the hands of Pilkington. 

Four second half goals from the visitors condemned the Hillmen to their fourth consecutive defeat. 

“I think the lowest moment for me since being here was Winsford away last season - that second half was worse,” said a dejected Richard Brodie following the defeat. 

“It’s an absolute disgrace, it’s like they threw the towel in. 

“The body language was awful, it looked atrocious. 

 “We can accept mistakes, but just down tools and not run, supporters are paying good money to come and watch them do that.”