U8's A v Failsworth West Tigers Sat 7th May

Failsworth West Tigers 1-2 Stalybridge Celtic A

A heavy downpour before the game made conditions tricky for both sets of players with the ball moving quickly on a wet surface. Celtic made a good start, Sam linking play well in the midfield with Jack and Marcus on the wings and Rhys pressurising upfront. Stalybridge worked the Failsworth defence in the opening minutes and forced a number of good saves from the keeper with efforts from Jack and Rhys. The game remained a close affair with Alex having to be on his toes at the back making several good tackles and passes forward. However the Tigers took the lead after 10 minutes when their forward cleverly managed to avoid tackles from three Celtic defenders in the penalty area and slotted past a helpless Josh in goal. It wasn’t long before we were back on level terms after Jack combined with Rhys straight from the re-start and hit a wonderful long range shot into the top right hand corner.  

After the break Celtic reshaped with Nathan and Callum joining the action, Sam going to striker and Rhys to his favoured right wing. Celtic’s passing play improved in the second half and both wingers stretched their legs with Sam making things happen upfront. After a couple of half chances Sam finally put us in the lead with a good touch and finish on the left. Celtic was put under pressure towards the end of the half by a determined Tigers side, Marcus and Alex returned to firm things up and Nathan making a couple of crucial challenges in the closing minutes to see out the win. MOM Sam.