U8's v AFC Clayton Sat 9th April

Stalybridge A 1- 1 AFC Clayton

On this warm sunny morning Celtic started brightly, passing superbly, keeping possession and showing great composure on the ball. Sam had an effort saved in the opening minutes and shortly after almost scored. Evading 2 or 3 challenges going in on goal, and just about to pull the trigger, the Clayton defender made a last ditch sliding challenge saving a certain goal. Callum fed some great balls out to Jack and Marcus on the wings and both showed good energy getting forward and creating chances. For all Celtic’s fine play Clayton defended well getting numbers back behind the ball and looking for the long one up to a lone man upfront. It was almost inevitable against the run of play Clayton would score first capitalising on a loose ball in the middle and slotting into the corner. Celtic continued to play excellent football with some well worked corners and one and two touch passing but were unable to get back on level terms before the break.

Rhys added pace to Celtic’s play in the second and had a number of long range efforts as well as making some great crosses. Clayton’s area remained crowded with Josh having little to do in the Celtic net but releasing some quick balls to allow us to play out from the back. Nathan had another excellent game and pushed forward when he could with a couple of close efforts on goal. Celtic’s fine football was eventually rewarded when Callum released Jack on the left beating the Clayton defender and crossing to Sam with a neat finish at the back post. Celtic tried hard pushing for the winner and forcing a number of saves from the Clayton keeper, however a mixture of excellent defending by Clayton and the run of the ball kept the score line at 1-1. MOM Jack.