Celtic's FA Cup hoodoo against lower ranked opposition struck again as plucky Guisborough Town came from two down to earn a replay in this second qualifying round tie. For much of the game it was Celtic who were on top and only a bobbly pitch prevented them seeing off their hospitable hosts, who seemed more interested in the scenic view which resembled the Swiss Alps, rather than putting up any resistance.
Right from the off, Keeling tested the Keeper's metal with a stinging drive to force the save of the match. Buoyed by this encouraging start, Celtic went for the jugular with first Mayers, who led his line superbly all game, then Potts going close as the Guisborough rearguard adopted a panic at all costs approach to their defending.
The break through finally came on the stroke of half time when Eastwood's telling cross found Wharton at the far post who nodded in from close range to put Celtic 1-0 up at the interval. 1-0 then soon became 2-0 early in the second half, when the industrious Wharton crossed for the effervescent Potts to riffle home a volley into the roof of the net.
It is well documented that 2-0 is a dangerous lead to hold and so it proved. Guisborough, who to their credit hadn't exactly lain down and died, suddenly found themselves right back in the game when Sunley lashed home a free kick. They then pressed forward in search of a equaliser and it was no surprise when it duly arrived with just minutes remaining as Booth scored, despite Bowker's best intentions to deny him.
Right at the death, Celtic nearly sneaked it as Foster's lobbed shot rebounded off the bar, but it was too little too late as the whistle happy ref decided he had seen enough and asked both teams to try again.
Celtic should in all honesty win the replay quite comfortably but it was their Northern League opponents who took the plaudits as their players were mobbed by ecstatic fans as they left the pitch to the strains of 'simply the best'