Match Report -
Celtic kick of the campaign with a loss at Congleton
By Iain Benson
Congleton recorded a 2-1 win over the all new Celtic side playing in their first friendly fixture of the 10/11 season, but it was Celtic who looked the more likely winners.

In Celtic's first attacking move, it was two players from last season, Greg Wilkinson and Craig Hobson, who linked up well, the former putting the latter into the box with only the Bear's keeper to beat, which he did deftly knocking the ball with the outside of his boot three minutes in.

Hobson and Williams could both have added to that, but both went wide after being put through. A defensive mix up between new keeper Ben Saynor and Steve Woods allowed the Congleton striker to nip in and lob Saynor with a nice touch, and a little while later, John Hardiker's lax pass allowed Congleton's number ten to loop a header over Saynor who must have lost the ball in the sun.

Town could have added to that, but for a fine stop from Saynor, and the half finished 2-1.

That remained the score throughout the second half, though it was the Town keeper who was the busier. Paul Marsh had a couple of great chances, but couldn't get on target, whilst Leroy Chintheneah timed his run to perfection, but took too long deciding what to do after rounding the keeper but being forced wide. Kristian Platt forced the Town keeper into the save of the match off a wicked free kick, and from the corner his shot struck a slipped Marsh, before the rebound came back to him and the keeper saved.

In the end, the final score didn't matter, it was an optimistic performance with numerous excellent performances that bodes well for the coming season.

Celtic team from: Ben Saynor, Glenn Rule, John Hardiker, Kristian Platt, Steve Wood, Connor Jennings, Greg Wilkinson, Joel Bembo-Lita, Lee Elam, Lloyd Elms, Craig Hobson, Ross Role, Ryan Williams, Jack Rea, Paul Ennis, Lequin Esdale, Paul Marsh, Leroy Chintheneah, Josh Bardsley.