Stafford Rangers 0-2 Farsley Celtic
By James Grayson
Celtic forgot about the media circus surrounding Stafford and became party-poopers by cruising to 2-0 victory. The victory was a massive one and lifted Celtic out of the relegation zone.
Stafford appointed Wolves legend Steve Bull as their new manager two weeks and this was his first home game in charge. The game attracted a big crowd along with a large media presence. Amongst the crowd were Stan Collymore and Led Zeppelin lead singer Robert Plant. Steve Bull merchandise went into overdrive with special programmes produced for the occasion and various other souvenir items available.
John Deacey named an unchanged starting XI from the 2-1 defeat to Exeter last week. The only change was on the bench as David McNiven was unable to play due to loan regulations. Colin Heath took his place.
Stafford nearly took the lead on four minutes from a corner. The corner came in and Neil Grayson managed to get his head to the ball but failed to hit the target and the ball went just wide.
As time went on Celtic began to exert their authority on the game. Scott McNiven went on a darting run down the left flank on 18 minutes and eventually won a dangerous free kick. McNiven then decided to take the free kick himself; however the wall did its job by blocking it.
After a good period of play, Celtic finally took the lead on 26 minutes. Andy Watson did brilliantly on the right wing and managed to get a cross in. A Stafford defender managed to get his head to it but this only helped Celtic. The ball then came to an unmarked and stationary STEVE TORPEY who simply headed home.
Stafford’s large support was rocked and silenced and their team struggled to get back into the game. On 41 minutes Stafford player/assistant manager Kevin Street managed to nearly test Curtis Aspden. Street managed to get around Celtic’s defenders and from 25 yards shot for goal. But the defence held firm and Dominic Krief’s boot took the ball wide of the goal.
A minute later Craig Bentham was yellow carded for kicking the ball at Ross Draper.
HT 0-1
Rory Prendergast had the first chance of the second half. Prendergast took advantage of a defensive mistake but when the shooting chance arrived he shot straight at Stafford keeper Danny Alcock.
Celtic managed to rest any nerves supporters may have had on 60 minutes when they were awarded a penalty. Alcock made a mess of an attempt to claim the ball from a Farsley corner, he dropped the ball and Amjad Iqbal claimed it before being brought down by a Stafford defender. The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Iqbal was hurt and needed treatment, but despite the delay KRIEF stepped up and coolly smashed the penalty home – much to his delight.
Stafford’s supporters were totally silenced and they started slowly drifting away. On 66 minutes Grayson headed wide a free kick. Eleven minutes later Djoumin Sangare headed wide after a cross.
Despite the media glare, it wasn’t Steve Bull and Stafford’s day. With all eyes on the new manager for inspiration, he could offer none as the clock ticked on. On 82 minutes the PA announcer announced that no car could leave the car park after the final whistle due to congestion. This triggered even further departures.
After four added minutes the final whistle was blown and Celtic had their deserved three points.
With Weymouth and Altrincham losing, Celtic climbed out of the relegation zone. If Celtic can keep playing the way they are doing, surviving shouldn’t be a problem. But with every football fairytale, there will be plenty of twists and turns to come.
FT 0-2
Stafford Rangers: Alcock, Sutton, Daniel, Sangare, Street, Grayson, Draper, Hazley (Reid 8), Meakin-Richards (Jarrett 62), Shaw, Hughes. Subs Unused: Flynn, Allen, Gibson.
Farsley Celtic: Aspden, Jackson, Iqbal, Reeves, Watson, McNiven, Bentham, Krief, Torpey (Bambrook 82), Santos, Prendergast. Subs Unused Knowles, Stamer, Heath, Backhouse.
Referee: D.R Coote (Newark)
Attendance: 1853
