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The first Saturday in November saw both autumn & winter arrive with a vengeance as Verona FC visited for the D15 derby. A change in weather maybe but it was business as usual for this classy Celtic outfit as they ran out worthy winners.
In what were at times horrific playing conditions, playing quality football was always going to prove difficult. Both teams started tentatively as they sought to counter a gale force wind. Verona were clearly up for the challenge and looked a much improved outfit from the last time these teams played in early September. Clearly Coach Paul Pidgeon had weaved his magic and the Verona midfield and strike force were causing early problems for Celtic where Cathal Flynn and Alex San Emeterio were being kept busy. As the half wore on Celtic started to gain an upper hand as Ciaran “Cha Cha” Collins and “Twinkle Toes” Kane began to strut their stuff on the wings.
Midway through the half Celtic brought on re-enforcements in the guise of the inform Leigh Reilly, Mark Hughes and Matthew Russell. The fresh legs made a difference as Celtic began to dominate with Hughes and the tireless Andrei Enache now bossing the midfield. Hughes nearly broke the deadlock with a wonderful effort as he broke from midfield beating one player to his left then one to his right before hitting a fearsome drive from 20 yards out that brought a great save from the Verona No. 1. Minutes later Matthew Elliott was unlucky not to score following good build up, play between Russell and Hughes. It was still 0-0 at half time and anybody's game.
With the second half looming and the advantage of playing with the wind, the Coaches encouraged quick passing and early shots and the players clearly took this on board as shots started to rain down on the Verona goal. With 10 minutes of the half gone “Cha Cha” Collins broke the deadlock with a wonderful strike from 22 yards out that flew straight into the roof of the net. The goal was celebrated by his team mates with a mixture of elation and relief. In essence Collins' strike settled the game as Celtic began to play with more belief which was demonstrated by Dylan McDonagh who seemed to win every ball and release his forwards with some quality passes.
More chances came with Reilly, now in a more accustomed attacking role, to the fore. With 15 minutes left Reilly made it 2-0 scoring with his “third bite of the cherry” having been foiled by the keeper with his first 2 efforts. Credit to Reilly who showed great desire and did what good strikers do by following up on each of his efforts. Celtic maintained their pressure with Kian Ryan unlucky on two occasions before Russell scored a lovely goal powering the ball in from 10 yards out. FT: 3-0
This may not have been vintage Celtic and credit must be given to Verona for pushing Celtic back especially in a tight first half but the Celtic players should be commended for continuing to try and play attractive passing football in what were extremely difficult conditions.
Unfortunately I have to report on one disturbing incident. Coach Reilly arrived unshaven, looking deranged and it was clear many of the children and parents were frightened. Mr Reilly, who looks scary at the best of times, apologised saying it was his “Haloween” look . We hope that no one suffers any sleepless nights by the scary sight.
