Bower Fold Saturday, August 24th, 2019 k/o 15:00   FA Cup Attendance: 352       Stalybridge Celtic 0-0 West Didsbury & Chorlton
2019 /20

Comments :

With Tranmere''s home game with Bury falling foul of bury''s troubles I needed to find an alternative, ironically I nearly came here on Tuesday when they beat Scarborough 5-1 in what has been described as a thrilling performance but for a last minute house guest. My choices were limited although I did consider games in Belfast, Scotland and down south I decided to keep it fairly local. West Didsbury and Chorlton are three divisions below Stalyebridge and programme notes sent mixed messages the general feeling was one of confidence but tinted with precautionary notes of past failings. The management team of Simon Haworth and Gareth Roberts were both former Tranmere players and i do like bower fold as a ground but had last seen stalyebridge get thumped five nil away to AFC Fylde. Before the game I spoke to an away fan who also followed Tranmere and another fan who followed Bristol rovers and was at the game on Tuesday were they beat us 2-0. The heat probably played a factor in this game with the home side not converting first half possession into goals although a marginal offside decision and the crossbar conspired to stop them. I think it''s fair to give the away team credit for defending well and the 60 or so away fans were loud and proud but it was a game of little goalmouth action with the only second half incident of note coming a few minutes before the end with a full length save from the WD&C keeper earning a deserved replay. The game was also littered with fouls and stoppages which wasn''t easy on the eye