Match Report: Radcliffe FC 1-0 Stalybridge Celtic

Radcliffe FC got back to winning ways after they ran out 1-0 winners over Stalybridge Celtic on a wet and rainy afternoon at the Neuven Stadium.

Ben Wharton netted the only goal of the game from the spot midway through the first half after Liam Ellis was brought down in the box.

The Boro now move up to 15th with plenty of games in hand over the teams around them.

The first chance of the game fell to the visitors. Berat Jonathan Ustabasi saw his goalbound shot blocked just outside the box before Ollie Martin collected the rebound.

Moments later the Boro had their first clear cut chance of the afternoon. On seven minutes Liam Ellis raced into the box, skipping past Stephen O’Halloran in the process but his effort was blazed well over Alex Fojticek’s crossbar.

Celtic had a succession of corners midway through the half after Tyrell Warren blocked both Darius Osei and Jonanthan Ustabasi’s shots but nothing came of the resulting corners.

On 19 minutes Stalybridge should have been ahead. Scott Bakkor played a brilliant ball across the box to top scorer Craig Hobson but he could only find the crossbar from close range.

Five minutes later the Boro were awarded a penalty. Kallum Mantack looked to have handled a long ball well but Ellis nicked in a was brought down in the box.

Mr Reliable Ben Wharton stepped up and comfortably slotted home from the spot to give the Boro the lead.

With five minutes left in the first period, Celtic should have been level. Osei battled into the area his effort looked to be goal bound but for a great stop on the line by Warren.

Jon Macken’s men went into the break with a slender lead thanks to Wharton’s spot kick.

The Boro started on top in the second half. Goal scorer Wharton played in Kingsley Williams but he could only fire over the bar.

Stalybridge had another great chance to get back into the game on the hour mark. A quick free kick found Nathan Valentine but his tame shot was collected by Martin in the Boro goal.

Moments later substitute Matty Wolfenden thought he had made it two as he lobbed Alex Fojticek in the Celtic goal but the mud on the goal line came to his rescue.

With seven minutes left on the clock Celtic started to pile on the pressure. Osei this time with another effort but it was dragged across the goal mouth.

James Hooper had a chance to grab a second but he fired over the bar from close range when it looked easier to score.
The Boro hung on to claim all three points on a difficult afternoon in bad conditions.