Having scoured the records, we’ve been unable to uncover a meeting between the Colls and Stalybridge Celtic. Both teams were in the Cheshire League in the late 70s and early 80s, The Celts winning that league in 1980 whilst Colls were in Division 2. In 1982, the formation of the North West Counties saw The Celts placed in the top tier whilst Colls were in Division Three.
In 1987 the Stalybridge club joined the Northern Premier League and in 1992 rose to the Conference. Since that point they have spent most of their time in the Conference North before dropping into the Northern premier League in 2017.
Managed now by Welsh international, including a cap against Brazil, and former Wigan record signing, Simon Howarth, the Celts finished 17th in the league last season. Howarth started his managerial career up the road at Eagley before taking the Clitheroe job.
The Celts have had a couple of impressive results as they sit in 12th place in the league, hammering Scarborough Athletic 5-1 before leaving Hurst Cross, Ashton with all three points. However, after overcoming a spirited West Didsbury and Chorlton in the FA Cup, they fell last week to Division One side Marine.
Colls travel to Bower Fold with that FA Cup exit to FC United still stinging but with their focus now (almost) entirely on the league, boosted by the signing of former Glasgow Celtic man Josh Thompson.
Bower Fold (SK15 2RT)
KO 15:00
Adult £10, Concession £6
Programme £2
Parking £1
Snapshot: New Beginnings
June 15, 2020
The country famously went for a new beginning in 1971 when decimilisation was introduced on 15 February. The Colls committee had also decided on a
