Alfreton Town 2 Stalybridge Celtic 1…
(November 2008)
Despite looking the brighter of the two teams for much of this hard fought contest, Celtic failed to increase a tenuous lead, were caught on the counter attack and then conceded a penalty, which resulted in a sending-off for both the awkward Keeling and Stalybridge’s generally subdued manager Steve Burr. Still Stalybridge pushed forward, making light of being a player short but Alfreton held on to claim a tough victory.
Burr was likely relieved to have engineered a dismissal in order to escape from the annoying thumping on his dugout roof by home fans, having just purchasing their next beers from the bar.
Celtic led when Butler skied a clearance, the first of several miscues by the veteran Town defender and Platt measured his response, volleying an excellent shot over the flailing ‘keeper Evans and deep into the Alfreton net from 23 yards.
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| AT LEAST I WAS UNDER COVER... |
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| THE SEATS WERE A BINGO CALLER'S DELIGHT... |
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| WE LIKE CORNERS LIKE THESE... |
Remarkably, despite such dominance, Celtic were pegged back by Clayton in the 37th minute, who fired into goal from close range after McIntosh, criminally unmarked at the far post, had thumped Law’s long right-wing centre back into the goalmouth. Law had previously beaten Platt too easily on the flank.
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| RESPECT SHOWN... |
The winning goal in the second period arrived after Clayton fell under Keeling’s challenge. A linesman signalled a penalty, Celtic were incensed and more so when Keeling was dismissed. Law dispatched the penalty to Phillips’ left, although the ‘keeper appeared to get his left hand to the ball.
Celtic really ought to have left Alfreton with a least a point…
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| LEO FORTUNE-WEST DISPLAYS HIS INNOCENCE. 5 GOALS IN 15 APPEARANCES IN THE 2008-09 SEASON... |
It was so cold and bleak watching the match however and below was how I described being there in November 2008…
ALFRETON TOWN: Cold Comfort At Impact…
If there is a god
Controlling who should be cold,
Then those fans who sat
Bereft,
Bedevilled
And beguiled
At the Impact Stadium, Alfreton, were the shivering ones,
If truth be told…
If there is a god
Controlling what comfort is allowed,
Then those spectators who sat
Bereft,
Bedraggled
And bemused
At the Alfreton soccer stadium, were the quivering ones,
Overlooked in the crowd…
Pete Ray
November 2008
Gods, it was cold in Alfreton. Very cold.
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