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After a couple of difficult games with depleted squads recently, it was back to near full strength today away in Hartstown against HHFC. Celtic were in splendid form for the first 15 mins of the 20 minute half, with Andrei Ungureanu, Theo Hennessy, and new boy, Rad Ameriani, combining well in the attacking role, and defenders, Aaron O'Reilly, Ronan Wells and Calum Daly, equal to anything that HHFC had to offer. All 3 strikers went close for Celtic. It was a wonder then how they were not ahead as they had peppered the homeside's goal during a period of almost complete dominance. However, it's goals that count, and it was a freak one that put the visitors one behind at the break. The ball got through the Celtic defence and as James Whooley took hold of the ball with the attackers descending on him, the ball was kicked out of his hands and into the net. Unfortunately the ref was unsighted and the goal counted.
The second half was only begun when HHFC raced in for their second and were in the ascendancy. They added a third mid way through the half, though in fairness, the score flattered the home side. Celtic continued to battle with Sean Hosford putting a big shift in the wing back position. Dominick Odujebe was operating in an attacking role, with Ayann Tausseef varying his role between defence and attack as the game ebbed and flowed. Finally Celtic got their reward for their mighty effort. With 8 mins remaining, it was James Whooley, yes that man again, who had done a great job in the first half in goal, got in for his first goal, putting his shot in off the left hand post. The visitors' tails were up now, and they pressed on. Another Celtic cross, the football variety that is, was met by James and he gave the keeper no chance, and with only one goal now serarating them, it was game on for sure. Celtic were now enjoying the lion's share of possession, but the equaliser eluded them. Celtic were left scratching their heads that they had not got something from this game where they had more than matched their opposition for long spells, and it was a dubious first goal that was the difference in the end.
Full marks to Celtic who bounced back today and each of the squad put in a fine performance against HHFC who had been doing well of late. It is back to training on Tuesday at 7pm and on Thursday at 6pm. match action
