So, here’s a fact about Stalybridge Celtic that might be new to you? The ‘Bridge, the Celts or Celtic – whichever you prefer – were once a Football League side long before us. This is no word of a lie. Back in 1921, they were a founder member of Division Three North. But it was a short-lived association. We, of course, know them better as one of the clubs who we first met after our promotion to the GM Vauxhall Conference in 1994.
After losing our initial match, we put five past them in each of the next two games; spanning the 1994-5 and 1995-6 seasons. With their relegation at the end of the 2001-2 season, that was the last time we’d meet.
After a short stint in the Football League, the Celts left it behind in 1923 and took up a place in the Cheshire County League – replacing their stiffs as it goes. The league would be Celtic’s home for the next 60 years. In that time, the club won just one title. You’re now wandering where we come in, right? After a (relatively) short rise through the non-league pyramid, Stalybridge Celtic made their GM Vauxhall Conference bow in 1992. It wasn’t a bad debut, by all accounts, finishing 12th as Wycombe Wanderers claimed the title.
Two years later, Stevenage Borough arrived on the scene.
How to get to Stalybridge Celtic – Travel Information – Distance: 166 miles
By Road
Not the fastest route, but the shortest. You’ll need get onto the M1 and head north. You’ll continue until Junction 24, at which point you’ll exit and take the Derby-bound A50. Keep on the A50 for about 22 miles or so, before taking the exit for A515 towards Ashbourne.
After leaving the A50, the junction comprises two roundabouts. Take the fourth and first exits respectively for the A515. As you approach Ashbourne in around eight-and-a-half-miles, go through two roundabouts until you reach the local leisure centre. Here, turn left at the roundabout for 68/Station Road.
Turn right at the end of the road onto 68/Church Street and then continue on; taking you back onto the A515. You’re basically cutting a corner here. Stay on the A515 for nearly 20 miles, before turning right onto Dukes Drive. This looks like a rural road that passes next to Lime Tree Park. Dukes Drive will loop round and pop out by a Morrisons supermarket.
Turn left onto what will be the A6 and then take the second exit at the roundabout shortly afterwards to stay on the A6. After 5.5 miles, take the first exit at a roundabout by an Aldi supermarket and take the A624; following it up with the third exit at the next roundabout.
In seven miles, the A624 will require you to make a right turn over the adjacent railway track. Do this and continue on for another seven miles.
At this point, take a left onto Turnlee Road and keep going as it becomes Primrose Lane. Take a left for the A57 after half a mile and stay on this road. As you come to Mottram in Longdendale, bear right onto the A6018. The stadium will be on the left after two miles.
If the ground’s car park is full before kick-off (and there’s a chance it will be), you can try the local streets on the opposite side of Mottram Road.
By Rail
Station: STALYBRIDGE
Services to: LEEDS
From the station, head east on the B6176 Market Street and down towards the River Tame. At Trinity Street, turn right and then left and again right for Stamford Street. Go down here for nearly a mile to get to the ground.
