Who says 0-0's can't be great games?

Stalybridge Celtic and Curzon Ashton under 9s somehow failed to find a goal between them in two engrossing goalless draws at Wright Robinson School on Saturday morning.  The games really could have gone either way if both teams defences had not been in such fine form.

The 'B' team kicked things off, and worked tirelessly all game to keep the opposition's attacks to a minimum.  James produced one fine stop in the second half, brilliantly pushing the ball round the post at full stretch, to deny Curzon, while Nathan and Lewis put in solid displays in defence.  With Bomber moving up to the 'A' team due to Max's absence, Keenan played up front and he deserves credit for working really hard to prevent their defenders any time or space to play the ball forward.  Twice he was denied by blocks and was always positive on the ball. Josh controlled the game in the centre of midfield, defending strongly and breaking forward quickly and skillfully at times, while Thomas and Callum didn't give an inch alongside him.

Bridge had chances of their own, but kept finding defenders legs in the way or shooting just wide.  In the end, the result was a fair one.  If the lads show this level of commitment to the end of the season then they won't be far away.  Man of the match was James, for his match defining save.

FINAL SCORE:  CELTIC 0  CURZON ASHTON 0

The 'A' team game followed a similar pattern, but both teams created more chances and had their keepers to thank for the point earned.  Brad was denied early on, first by the keeper and then a defender who got back to clear off the line. However, it was Curzon who started the sharper but Luke, in goal, held everything that came his way.  Travis and Jack combined well on the left, while Dan's dazzling run down the right produced another great chance for Celtic, but Bomber was again denied by a fine save. 

After the break, Elliot came on and had an excellent game up front, in his first appearance for the 'A' team, putting himself about and causing all sorts of problems for Curzon's defence.  It was just a shame no-one could get on the end of his flick on from Brad's delivery.  Luke continued to smother shots that came his way and Kai came more and more in to the game, producing some fine skill and battling hard on the right. Try as they might, neither team could get the ball over the line and although both sides were disappointed not to win, they were also both relieved not to lose.

For his fine display in goal, Luke picked up the man of the match award.

FINAL SCORE: CELTIC  0  CURZON ASHTON  0

Well done to all the lads for their performances on Saturday, not one average one amongst them.  After a couple of recent disappointing displays, they were back to somewhere near their best and deserve huge credit.  We just need a bit of luck in front of goal now!!

Training: Thursday at Curzon (meet 5.50pm)

Next Match: v Hough End, the league leaders (meet 8.45am)