Midweek football round-up: Benni helps Bridge to their first win

After coming agonisingly close to a win on the opening day, Stalybridge Celtic made no mistake on the second attempt, seeing off Atherton Collieries on Tuesday night under the Bower Fold lights. 

Following a goalless first half, the match was sprung into life by substitute Benni Smales-Braithwaite early in the second. 

The forward made an instant impact, heading home Liam Tongue’s cross just seconds after coming on - a goal which proved to be the winner. 

“I think it was a deserved win,” Celtic boss Jon Macken told the club following the victory. 

“Everybody performed well, even the subs came on and had a massive impact, and it’s a great result for us.” 

Macken’s side’s attention turns to the FA Cup this weekend, as they welcome Bury to Bower Fold for their Preliminary Round tie. 

Elsewhere, Mossley were just seconds away from their first win of the Alex Craddock reign, but a late goal from hosts Congleton Town saw them come away with just a point. 

The Lilywhites had led the match twice, with Oumar Camara turning in a cross from Gee Baltazar just before half time only for Dan Needham to level after the break. 

Reece Webb-Foster then put the away side back in front from the spot before Shaun Brisley broke Mossley hearts with a last-minute bullet header. 

“I’m gutted to be honest,” said a dejected Craddock at full time. 

“I thought we were good value for the win, and to take the lead twice away from home and not win is really disappointing.” 

In the NPL Premier, Hyde United were unable to make it two wins from two, instead falling to a 3-1 defeat at Cleethorpes Town. 

Things were looking bright for the visitors early on, who took the lead through Lewis Rawsthorn, but this would only last for a matter of minutes. 

Jacob Gratton levelled from the spot before James Blunden headed the hosts in front early in the second half. 

Ben Andreucci was then on hand to seal Hyde’s fate five minutes from time, turning the ball home after Nick Walker’s effort cannoned back out off the crossbar. 

“It was men against boys,” said a bemused Nick Spooner following the defeat. 

“We just didn’t come out at all second half, it was a really disappointing performance.” 

Spooner’s side are on the road again this weekend as they travel to Stockton Town. 

Likewise, Ashton United failed to build on an impressive opening day victory, instead drawing 0-0 at home to Prescot Cables. 

This weekend sees Steve Cunningham’s side host newly promoted Stocksbridge Park Steels.