STALYBRIDGE 4, HEDNESFORD TOWN 3
Jon Macken’s first win in Pitching In Northern Premier League, West as Stalybridge Celtic manager – at the fifth attempt – was an extraordinary one against Hednesford Town.
The former Premier League striker was able to relive a similar scenario from his playing days as Celtic came from three down to beat The Pitmen, the side which recently hit the headlines by reaching the first round of the Emirates FA Cup having come through six qualifying rounds.
From seemingly being dead and buried, Macken saw his side mount a fabulous fightback – just like when Manchester City came from 3-0 down to win 4-3 at Tottenham where he headed the winner.
“My goal was just like our winner, a header at the back stick [Brandon Newell],” Macken recalled.
Macken admitted it was a rollercoaster of emotions, explaining: “Though we were 3-0 down, we had hit the bar and were creating chances.
“It was not the score we wanted, and I thought it would be challenging and hard.
“The way we came back was an absolutely fantastic display as we showed character, desire, attitude and willingness to keep running when three down.
“I was really pleased for the lads as it has not been easy adapting to a change of style and demands, but they have worked hard to take on board what I wanted to do.”
Macken, who had won two cup ties, added it has been a challenging start through tough fixtures, injuries and suspensions.
Celtic made a nightmare starting as they found themselves 3-0 down in the 34th minute, despite debutant Lewis Rawsthorn, signed hours before the match on loan from Radcliffe FC, having two great chances as he hit the bar and blazed wide when clean through.
Striker Manny Duku, who feature in Maidstone United’s great Emirates FA Cup run last season, punished a poor clearance from keeper James McClenaghan for the seventh minute opener – they had already hit the post through Jack Bearne.
Duku, who played for Cheltenham Town in the EFL, doubled the advantage with a near-post shot from Bearne’s cut-back.
And it looked all over when Hednesford hit a third, a looping header from Joel Taylor.
What followed was a remarkable finish to the opening period as Celtic went off all square.
It started when The Pitmen failed to clear a cross which enabled Max Leonard to fire home the first Celtic goal.
The second in the 40th minute was a sweetly struck shot on the turn from Newell and then in stoppage time he turned provider with the pass to release Leonard who made it 3-3 with a shot across the face of goal.
That was by no means the end of the drama as Celtic were indebted to Aaron Chalmers for a goalline clearance at the end of a crazy opening 45 minutes.
Celtic resumed where they left off and totally dominated the second period.
They had five clear-cut chances and, amazingly, had to wait until the 76th minute for their winner when they could and should have been out of sight.
Striker Joe Duckworth made a deadly break down the left and crossed to the far post for Newell to head home.
There was almost one final twist in the fifth of five added minutes when Hednesford almost snatched a point when an effort was cleared off the line and a follow-up shot flew into the side netting.
Macken’s reaction was one of pain and anguish as the final whistle could not come soon enough for Celtic who clinched a victory which lifts them to eighth and only outside the play-offs on goal difference.