Bower Fold hex comes to an end

THE Hatters finally earned a win at the home of neighbours Stalybridge last Tuesday night, after a dominant second half display heralded a 3-1 triumph at Bower Fold.

Despite the hosts being the better side for much of the opening 45 minutes, Courtney MeppenWalter’s blistering 30 yard drive on the stroke of half-time sent Jim Gannon’s men into the interval with a one goal lead.

Midfielder Jimmy Ball levelled for Celtic just after the hour mark with a long-range effort which beat stopper Bin Hinchliffe at his near post, but John Marsden volleyed County back into the lead before a controversial third sealed the three points.

County anchor-man Meppen-Walter charged into a challenge with Celtic skipper Aaron Chalmers, and despite the former Carlisle man winning the ball cleanly, Chalmers lay prone in the centre circle as a result of the clattering.

The loose ball fell to Hatters substitute Scott Spencer, who was oblivious to the calls of manager Gannon to put the ball out of play and allow the stillmotionless Chalmers to receive treatment – and as the official waved play on, Spencer crossed for fellow substitute Josh Amis to head home his first County goal.

Chalmers later walked off the pitch to receive treatment, with Gannon later explaining that despite asking his side to bring play to a halt, that his men “had done enough even without that third goal to seal the win.”

It seemed hard to argue with that train of thought as Amis struck the post as he broke shortly afterwards, before Spencer spurned two glorious opportunities whilst one-on-one with Tony McMillan.

Hinchliffe ended a near-perfect night for The Hatters on a high note as he saved Kristian Platt’s injury-time penalty for the hosts, after Amis had hauled down the Celtic defender inside the area.