Nantwich Town’s first home game didn’t disappoint a near full capacity crowd as they cruised to a 3-0 win over Stalybridge Celtic, writes Sam McGarrigle.
The Dabbers came out of the blocks early with Joe Malkin and Koral having chances in the opening minutes.
Callum Saunders was next in the queue for an effort on goal after Joel Stair played him in, Tom Stewart was made to make a crucial save for the Celts.
Stalybridge had a few runs of possession later in the first half but were unable to break down the Nantwich back four.
The Dabbers then had two corners on the bounce with success in the latter.
After a flurry of chances, the deadlock was broken by a scramble for the ball cleared off the line by Stewart.
It went straight into the path of Stair whose outstretched effort ensured it made it over the line and into the goal amid a crowded six yard box.
Nantwich dominated the first half and were unlucky not to have more on the scoreboard at the end of the half.
A change at half-time saw Malkin replaced by Connor Heath who made an impact as soon as he stepped on the pitch, taking a free kick in his first playing minute.
It was a good effort that cleared the wall but also cleared the post as well.
Stewart in the Stalybridge net had more to do after successive chances for Heath and Saunders ended up in his arms.
In the 78th minute, the fans were able to welcome back club Captain Casper Hughes who returned from injury, being given the armband from Stair as he came on the pitch.
Soon after, Man of the Match Saunders spotted the keeper off the line and tried to lob the ball in the net.
It hit the underside of the crossbar and bounced on the line, falling to Heath who was able to beat his man and hit it into an open net.
In the last minutes of the game, former Celtic player Prince Haywood made a run down the right flank, he held the ball up towards the corner but spotted a gap, cut in and bended his shot past the keeper to make it three.
It sealed all three points earning Nantwich their first win of the season and putting them in second place in the second game week.
(Images courtesy of Jonathan White)
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