Report by SJG

CHESHIRE COUNTY LEAGUE

STALYBRIDGE CELTIC   vs WIGAN ATHLETIC

5^th November 1932

LATICS RALLY TO EARN A POINT.

The quiet picturesque spot of Bowers fold was invaded by an unusually large crowd of around 7,000 (with over a 1,000 Latics fans) for what promised to be a good competitive Cheshire League encounter. There was added interest as the Celtic included an ex-Boro player in their line-up, with Arthur Stevenson appearing on the left flank.

The pitch was heavy after the recent rain and it seemed to take Latics some time to settle into their normal rhythm. Celtic on the other hand began brightly with Stevenson providing a number of telling crosses. Good defending by O’Dell saw a timely intervention rob the wingman just as he was about to shoot. Then good link play by the lively Stalybridge forwards created room and Stevenson fired an effort just over the bar. McCabe, Murphy and Hughes combined to create a half chance for Latics but the shot was wayward. On six minutes a corner kick was cleared by the Wigan defence but as it was returned into the goalmouth HURST reacted the quickest and headed home. Wigan looked for an early response and a Spencer free-kick had Savage at full stretch to clear. Callachan had to be sharp to avoid Hurst breaking away at the other end as Latics pushed players forward leaving gaps in defence. There were claims for what seemed a blatant penalty when Brown appeared to handle a Chambers shot to avoid it crossing the line, but play was allowed to continue. Then on 15 minutes Stevenson made good use of the space afforded him by Allon and he delivered a precise cross that was headed home by WRIGHT. Turner had a chance to add to the home sides tally but headed over when well placed.  Then on 22 minutes Latics got a foothold in the game, a neat interchange of passes set Hughes away and his cross was forced home by MCCABE. McCabe then had a chance to level the game but Savage saved well. Celtic continued to look dangerous and Latics had Abbott to thank when he produced a wonderful save to deny Stevenson when a goal looked the most likely outcome. The Wigan players were incensed when they had a good goal ruled out by the linesman’s flag. Hughes broke clear and fired past Savage who could only watch as the ball entered the net, Chambers followed in and fired the ball (which was already over the line), high into the net, the linesman then raised his flag to indicate that Chambers had strayed offside. The Wigan team, to a man, surrounded the referee to plead their case, but to no avail. The incident seemed to unsettle Wigan who had Abbott to thank again as he saved well from Wright and Stevenson to keep the game in the balance.

Half Time; Stalybridge Celtic 2-1 Wigan Athletic.

The half-time entertainment was provided by the Stalybridge old brass band, which formed in 1814, and Flanders poppies were widely evident amongst the crowd.

The second half began in scrappy fashion, both sides were guilty of committing fouls and the game became very disjointed. Murphy was booked for retaliation when he kicked out at a Celtic player after he himself had been the recipient of some rough treatment. With both defences seemingly on top it was something of a surprise when Latics found the equaliser. Chambers was tripped after collecting a nice pass from McCabe and from the resulting set play WAKE sent in a curling shot that dipped just under the bar and just beyond the grasping palms of Savage. The goal was not without controversy as savage felt that he had been impeded in his attempts to make a save, but on this occasion the decision went in Wigans favour.  The game was now very much in the balance with play switching from end to end. Both sides had their goalkeepers to thank for producing good saves as both teams pushed for the decisive goal. Hughes played Chambers in on goal, but the forward delayed his shot and Whittaker was able to intervene to snuff out the chance. Then Abbott had to tip an effort by Hurst over the bar when Stevenson again caused problems with a well-placed cross.

Full Time; Stalybridge Celtic 2-2 Wigan Athletic.

Attendance; 7,000

Scorers; Hurst (6), Wright (15); McCabe (22), Wake (64);

Team; WIGAN-- Abbott; O’Dell, Callachan; Wake, Spencer, Allon; Hughes, Chambers, McCabe, Jones, Murphy;  

STALYBRIDGE CELTIC—Savage; Brown, Whittaker; Scholes, Turner, Bell; Clifford, Butler, Hurst, Wright, Stevenson;

Referee; J.H. Ankers (Crewe)