Stalybridge Celtic Blues 2 Marple 1.....By Alun Ireland.........
An impressive second half saw the Blues take all the points against a strong Marple team.
The first half was scrappy with few chances. Tyler shooting across the face of goal in the first
The first half was scrappy with few chances. Tyler shooting across the face of goal in the first minute was the best chance of the opening 10 minutes, while Deacon had to be alert at the other end.
Dec played a great ball through for Niall, and the keeper’s brave block resulted in him having to leave the pitch – but both teams struggled to create much more.
The second half was a different story as the Blues – with Dec bossing midfield – took control. Niall caused problems for the Marple defence, and was unlucky to hit the ball over the bar when well placed, then Niall turned provider for James, who hit the side netting.
The pressure turned into a goal though when Archie laid the ball back to Dec, whose looping shot went over the keeper and in. Dec nearly doubled the lead with a header from a corner – but Deacon was then called on to save his side with a great save low to his left.
The Blues continued to press, and Archie’s hard work saw the ball deflect across the area to Connor, who couldn’t miss from inside the box, making it 2-0.
A late defensive lapse following two substitutions allowed Marple to get a goal back, but it was too little too late as the Blues managed to close out the game. Man of the match was Dec, but he was run close by Deacon in goal.
Stalybridge Celtic Whites 1 Marple 3
A high quality game saw Marple come out on top thanks to a man of the match performance by their goalie.
The Whites started well with Robson, Callum and Oscar causing problems for the Marple back two, but the goalkeeper was in top form.
And when Oscar’s header went past the keeper, a defender on the line managed to clear.
Marple nearly took the lead, but Thomas was also having his best game in goal, bravely diving at the feet of attackers twice in quick succession to keep the score at 0-0.
Just before half time, Oscar’s drive was saved by the keeper, who was quickly up to block Callum’s follow up.
The second half started like the first, with the Whites threatening a goal, but Marple took the lead. A fantastic diving one-handed save from Tom fell kindly for the attacker who made no mistake.
Soon afterwards, both defenders were caught up the field, and Marple doubled their lead, before Dan S was called on to block on the line following another good save from Tom.
Robson forced the keeper into another top save after good work from William and Oscar, but Marple made it 3 when their shot deflected past Thomas, while Brandon was clearly struggling with an injury.
William’s well taken goal was just too late to start a comeback, giving Marple both points despite Thomas’s man of the match performance.