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Celtic come good in titanic battle with Ardmore
This fixture was a reversal of last week's thriller. Ardmore’s stunning victory had meant that this fixture was akin to a Cup final with winner takes all. On a cold but beautiful crisp morning the supporters who had an early start were hoping that this week's game could match last week for excitement and they were not to be disappointed.
Last week Ardmore had started cautiously but not this week as they went at Celtic, who seemed uncertain on the abnormally large pitch, from the off. In a game of high stakes the first goal could be decisive. Ardmore broke , their midfielder split the Celtic defence open with a lovely weighted pass. The Ardmore striker was on it like a flash. The Celtic keeper, “Mad” Max Ostaphchuk, sensed the danger as he sprinted off his line. Still it was advantage Ardmore as the striker pulled the trigger. Max spread himself to make a wonderful save. It was more than a save it was a statement of intent – “CELTIC would not be betaen”. The save woke Celtic up and it was they who now took the game to Ardmore. Ryan Sherlock who again marshalled the defence superbly was ably supported by Ryan Mc Gregor, Denys Yaskersy and Andrei Ungareanu who playing in an accustomed role stood out with some excellent tackles and clearances. While Celtic were seeing more of the ball the Ardmore defence stood tall and on the rare occasion it was breached the Ardmore keeper showed why he and Max are battling for keeper of the season. Three times Esse Okirikpo was through and three times the Ardmore stopper saved the day. HT: 0-0
At half time all the Coaches could say was “Eat those Jaffa’s and keep doing the right things”. The second half started as the first ended. Celtic on top. With Ben Forde the conductor in midfield it was Celtic pulling the strings. Luke Hughes who has taken to the central midfield role like an old pro was all industry and James Browne was well like James Browne , all over the place, but not singing "Get on the Good Foot" like his namesake!! Haha. Tara O’ Hanlon and Abdullah Boujerdha provided the finesse while Caitlin La Bont was his busy busy self along with the hard working Conor Simmonds who did trojan work all day long. Despite all this the Ardmore defence was not being breached and when they countered they countered in style with Andrei, Ryan and Maccer all making timely clearances.
As we entered the final quarter the game and indeed both sets of supporters were on a knife edge. 10 minutes left and a breakthrough. A ball from midfield found Esse who finally got the better of the Ardmore keeper. Cheers, elation, celebrations but hold your horses there was still 10 minutes to go. A minute later Ardmore breached the Celtic defence but Max again was there to tidy up . Phew!!!. Not good for the heart. With five minutes left Celtic got the insurance they needed and deserved when Tara finished from three yards out following good work by Abdullah. 2-0 and with it Ardmore were never coming back as Celtic saw the game out to huge cheers from their noisy supporters. FT: 2-0. A great game and wonderful spectacle - where were the Sky Sports cameras when you need them!!!
First of all well done and hard luck to Ardmore in equal measure. Over two games there was little to choose between the teams but today was Celtic’s day and deservedly so. They worked, they competed but most of all they played football. At the start of the season there were fears for this motley crew who had moved up four divisions. There were no expectations save effort. Well we got effort and a whole lot more as they topped the Division. Next week they will play the mighty Peamount in the Shield final. It may be a step too far, too early for our Heroes but nothing can be taken away from their achievements to date. It will be a day out and a day to enjoy. Well done Abdullah, Andre, Ben, Caitlin, Conor, Denys, Esse, James, Luke, Max, Ryan, Ryan and Tara for all your hard work and effort and thank you for the enjoyment you have given all your supporters. Proud of you