In a stunning display of football at The Stan Robinson Stadium, Stafford Rangers delivered a commanding 4-0 victory over Stalybridge Celtic on October 28, 2025. The match, part of the Non League Division One - Northern West, showcased a dramatic turnaround for the Rangers, who had struggled for form in recent weeks, while the Celtic side continued to stumble after an encouraging start to the season.
From kickoff, it was evident that the Rangers were determined to shake off their recent blend of draws and losses. After failing to score in their last two outings, supporters were hoping for a resurgence, and the home side did not disappoint. The scoring opened early when Ryan Broomfield, a key player in the Rangers' setup, capitalized on a defensive error to find the back of the net in the 15th minute. This goal set the tone for a match that would ultimately tilt heavily in the Rangers' favor.
As Stalybridge struggled to find their rhythm, the Rangers expanded their lead just before half-time with another goal from Broomfield, making it 2-0. The visitors, who entered the game in 6th place and had ambitions of climbing higher in the standings, became increasingly frustrated as they failed to capitalize on their chances, succumbing to the home side's relentless pressure.
The second half saw the Rangers maintain their momentum. The home crowd erupted again when Jake Thompson added a third goal in the 62nd minute, delivering a near-perfect finish that all but sealed the fate of the Celtic players. Despite their previous successes, including a recent win against Clitheroe, Stalybridge was unable to muster a response. To rub salt in the wounds, Josh Houghton capped the scoring for Stafford with a penalty in the 84th minute after a foul in the box, bringing the final score to a resounding 4-0.
This victory catapults Stafford Rangers to 13th place with 18 points, breathing life into their season and offering a glimmer of hope following a series of lackluster performances. Meanwhile, Stalybridge Celtic's defeat sees them remain in 6th place with 22 points, now left to ponder what went wrong after a promising start to their league campaign.
Reflecting on pre-match predictions, it is clear that this outcome was unexpected. Many anticipated a tightly contested match, with Stalybridge tipped to exploit Stafford's vulnerabilities. Instead, the Rangers showcased a depth of character and urgency that had been lacking in previous weeks. As the season progresses, both teams must reassess their strategies; Stafford seeks to build on this momentum while Stalybridge aims to regroup and return to winning ways. The stakes remain high as they each navigate the unpredictable landscape of non-league football.