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Stalybridge Celtic: We’ve Met Before

Posted by Kelly Gilchrist
Posted on Sat 10 Sep 2016
Posted in First Team

After a dramatic last minute equaliser against the leagues joint leaders Salford City, the Shaymen will be looking to continue their return to good form against Stalybridge Celtic on Saturday.

Last season Stalybridge finished a stable 12th in the National League North, however this season has seen them get off to a poor start, and following manager Liam Watson resignation at the end of August. New joint managers Paul Phillips and Steve Halford will hope for a positive reaction at the Shay on Saturday.

The sides met back in 2011 with both hopeful of promotion to the Conference Premier. The first result saw a 2-2 draw in the second week of the season, it set the tone for what would be an almighty battle for promotion which ended with Halifax qualifying for the play-offs in 3rd but Stalybridge missing out by a single point finishing 6th.

Halifax were unable to overcome Gainsborough Trinity in the semi-finals losing 3-2 on aggregate.

The following season saw a very different story with the Shaymen again qualifying for a promotion spot in 5th, while Stalybridge were unable to back up their previous seasons efforts and finished a disappointing 13th. Despite Stalybridge taking 4 points from Halifax.

In the play-offs Halifax produced a memorable 3-1 win against Guiseley and a 1-0 win against Brackley Town in the final to seal promotion to the Conference Premier.

The sides have not met since 2013 and have had differing fortunes since, Halifax came close to securing back to back promotions to the Football league but were denied by a semi final defeat to Cambridge United. While Stalybridge have been stuck in the National League north for some time.

Who will come out on top this Saturday?

Find out at 3pm at the Shay.

Read more posts by Kelly Gilchrist

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