Stalybridge Celtic under 10s claimed the East Manchester League Cup with a narrow 2-1 victory over Failsworth Dynamos at Hyde FC this morning. Competing in their fourth cup final in four seasons, the lads added to last years Primary Cup success to end another superb season in style.
After finishing third in the league, they were determined not to let the opportunity of more silverware slip away. The 'B' team got things under away and although they took the first five minutes to get in to their stride they soon took control of the game. Skipper, Kai, put Celtic in front stabbing in a corner from Nathan, who in turn made it 2-0 before the break following up when the keeper spilled the ball after good work by Keenan and Bomber.
Luke looked very solid in goal, as did the two defenders in front of him, Lewis and Callum. Keenan and Nathan were both very lively down the wings, while Kai provided the cool head in the centre of midfield. Bomber and then Elliot provided the energy up front and during the second half, both had good chances to increase the lead. Celtic's defence limited Failsworth's opportunities and the lads who passed and moved superbly were only fractions from increasing their advantage, but with both games counting towards the aggregate score, it was a very handy lead to take in to the second game.
The 'A' team also started slowly as Failsworth came out fired up to try and reduce the lead. A early change in formation helped matters as Stalybridge began to get in to the game. Max, Jack, Brad and Sid all had chances, while Charlie produced a superb piece of defending to deny the pacey Failsworth striker.
0-0 at the break, Failsworth continued to gamble and Celtic looked to hit them on the break. Dynamos got a foothold in the game when a long range effort came back off the bar, the plastic goals taking the sting off the shot, allowing it to drop nicely for a tap-in. But Celtic hit back and Macca fired just over, while Max chipped the keeper but had his effort headed off the line.
It got tense at the end but James in goal wasn't really tested again, while Tom, Jack and Macca worked tirelessly in midfield up and down the pitch to limit any threats.
At the final whistle, the lads celebrated and rightly so. A great final, played in the right spirit, with some lovely football on show in Manchester's premier league.
FINAL SCORE: CELTIC 2 FAILSWORTH DYNAMOS 1
Congratulations to Nathan who was independently named man of the match over the two games. Well done son and well done everyone. A great end to the season. PAAAAARRRTTTYYYYY!!!!