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Celtic come back to share spoils in game of Two Halves match action
It’s still early in the season but what a disastrous week it was for Celtic. It started when a late transfer swoop saw defensive stalwart Henry depart but worse was to follow when keeper Scott Hernon was ruled out until New Year with a bad knee injury. Scott will be sorely missed both as a top quality keeper and a great team mate (here’s wishing him a speedy recovery). To make matters worse Sam Dunne who has been in great form of late was ruled with illness while fellow wing wizard Keane Turner was away. All in all it was an uncertain Celtic who arrived on a lovely sunny Autumn morning Celtic to play Manortown Utd and it was an achievement in itself that they even made the fixture.
Despite all the setbacks it was Celtic who started the brighter with the midfield of Flynn, Hughes, and Sherlock dominating play. Some neat passing following good work by Catalin Labont and Harry Reilly saw James Browne shoot just over while Abdullah Boujerdha’s cross was headed narrowly wide by Harry. Celtic were looking comfortable but then the game was turned on it’s head. Manortown won a corner on the right. The left footed Manorown player powered over an majestic corner that hit the back post before flying back across the goal and in off the far post. 1-0 and it gave the homeside a lift. Celtic still sought to take the game to the opposition but Manortown were up to the challenge and once they began to dominate the midfield it was they who carried the offensive threat. Time and time again they broke but thankfully Arnass was at his brilliant best. Despite some hood defensive work Celtic’s No 1 ,Phelim Scott, was forced into making two good saves to keep the deficit at one. With 10 mins of the half left Manortown deservedly scored a second but the Celtic Coaches will have been disappointed. The Manortown winger dispossessed the Celtic left back and cut in before releasing the ball to his free striking partner as three (YES THREE) Celtic players stood watching. HT: 2-0.
At half time the Coaches expressed their disappointment with the Boys for switching off. The message was clear “ You need to work your way back into this game. You are more than good enough but the next score is critical”. The lads had listened as within 3 minutes of the re-start they had created two goal scoring chances. Confidence grew and the game was now being played in the Manortown half. Manortown were sitting deep but showing an ability to break quickly and intelligently. More chances came Celtics way – Ryan and James shot over while drives by Luke and Catalin were blocked. Minutes later the Manortown No 1 made a diving save. Time was running out but with 13 minutes left a quick throw by Ryan found Harry who gave his team a lifeline with an opportunistic strike – a goal the youngster richly deserved. 2-1 and GAME ON. Celtic were lifted and Manortown seemed to be feeling the pressure. Celtic pushed and pushed and with 5 minutes left won a free at the edge of the box. Up stepped Adam to blast the ball over the wall and into the roof of the net. Cue wild celebrations but there was still time for a winner. Celtic pushed forward but the home defence stood resolute and it was they who forced the final goal scoring chance as a last minute freekick going just wide of the right hand post. FT: 2-2.
This was a strange game. If Celtic had competed from first to last minute they could have won the game but at the same time if you are 2-0 down with 13 minutes left you will gladly take a point and in truth a draw was a fair result. Manortown are a well organised team and both teams gave their all in an entertaining game with many chances for both teams. The Celtic Coaches were rightly proud of the “Dirty Dozen” on duty but will welcome Keane and Sam’s returns next week. Special mention to striker Phelim who played in goals this week. Scott’s gloves are big ones to fill but Phelim was up to the task as he earned a BIG THUMBS up from the watching Scott and all his team mates.
