Match Preview :- Barrow - Tuesday October 5th, 2004 (19:45:00)
On Tuesday at 7:45 Celtic will entertain Barrow in the replay of the game that ended in a 3-3 stalemate at Holker Street. With Peter Wragg on holiday it's got to be hoped that the team can pull together like at Nantwich without a manager.

As was proven in the blustery conditions at Barrow, they are no pushovers, using the conditions to their advantage they won the first half 2-0. It was testament to Celtic's new fighting spirit that the visitors won the second half 3-1. Both score-lines reflect the balance of play.

Barrow have yet to win a game for four consecutive matches, and Celtic for 3, but Barrow must be looking towards the replay with a sense of optimism for they have now started scoring again, and they did turn Celtic over at Bower Fold a few weeks back.

If anything is to be taken from the game at Holker Street, it is that Barrow are vulnerable in the second half. Over half of the goals they have conceded this season have been in this period. If Celtic can hold it together in the first half, then we may see Celtic come out of this game with pride intact. However, if a defensive performance like the one at Barrow is on offer, than I've no doubt that top-scorer for Barrow, Patterson, will be taking advantage again.

The only thing that is certain is that there will be a result on the night, even if it takes extra time and penalties. If it does go to penalties, then it will be down to the two respective keepers, and out of the two, Dootson is probably the better, so Celtic will have a little confidence in that, however, hopefully it won't come down to it.

With an injury to Denham, it is unlikely that he'll be in the starting line up, even on the bench, fortunately, in Hindle and Moores we have a pair of players who can stand in for Celtic's hero. To top this off, Hayward and Eastwood both scored, and will hopefully carry this into the replay and start building their respective golden boot challenges.

Barrow will undoubtedly line up as they did at Holker Street, unless Heffernan's match ban for a red card kicks in.
1. Adam Capp
2. Guy Heffernan
3. Steve Ridley
4. Jamie Cotterill
5. Kirk Wheeler
6. Karl Colley
7. Garreth Simpson
8. Graham Anthony
9. Neil Campbell
10. Gavin Knight
11. Jamie Patterson

Celtic too will probably try and mix how they started the game and how they finished, with Bowker being played in defence again and Sykes being pushed up to do the kind of damage we know he can. It might even be that club captain Kevin Parr is on the touchline as a stand in manager for the night (he's certainly vocal enough!).
1. Craig Dootson
2. Dave German
3. Tony Whealing
4. Terry Bowker
5. Barrie Keeling
6. Scott Bonsall
7. Ben Smith
8. Paul Sykes
9. Phil Eastwood
10. Andy Hayward
11. David Moores.

The prediction algorithm isn't bright enough to cater for extra time and penalties, so it predicting a draw (1-1). Tell your spouse you'll be late home then!
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