Salisbury fans celebrated prematurely when the ball hit the inside of the bar and went out for a goal-kick. Pettinger was kept busy with goal-kicks for the next twenty minutes or so. Ellington had chances but was heavily guarded by Cook and Bond; Prince had a shot saved by the Salisbury keeper. Atkins had a starring role in the heart of defence and eventually got his name taken by the referee, a Mr. Scott of Abingdon.
Wayne Turk, who looked as though he knew what he was doing, got a shot on for Salisbury. Ellington and Maxfield produced some good passing football at this stage.
Pettinger stumbled taking a goal kick but all was well. It was actually quite a boring first half. Garvey produced some good moves and linked up well with Eastwood. Eastwood seemed to get dragged into the heart of the defence as the game progressed. Celtic were content to soak up the action and go for the break.
Tubbs went on the attack for Salisbury and won a corner, safely in Petts? hands.
A good move by Ellington and Psycho was aborted. Psycho looked on but we gave the ball away. Ellington did not look as sharp as usual.
Celtic did have some possession, with Salisbury shading it, though the emphasis had to be on defence with Haran and Kilbane missing.
Salisbury played well and were eager for a goal; Celtic content to soak up the pressure. A great run by Maxfield; eventually he was brought down just after he passed the ball to Prince. A free kick resulted in nothing.
Eastwood was taken off for Banim to come on. Psycho was elbowed and lay flat on the ground. Jody began to question the Salisbury defence.
Salisbury took off Sales and Tubbs in favour of Wilde and Arthur. Prince went down injured, to a chorus of booing from the Salisbury fans, who thought that he was time-wasting. He limped off the field and made way for Oates.
Psycho continued to make play and Michael Oates made a positive contribution. Ellington and Banim continued to threaten the Salisbury goal, but overall it was a good defensive performance designed to take us back to Bower Fold on Tuesday.