Match Report -
Christmas Cracker
By Mike Brierley

The last game prior to the Christmas festive fixtures saw Celtic entertain Boston United, in what turned out to be a thoroughly entertaining game, for both fans and neutrals alike.

Looking to build a platform from which a rise up the table could be mounted, Celtic entered the game on the back of recent mixed results.

Staring the game the brighter of the two, it was indeed the boys from Bower Fold who took an early lead, when a rehearsed corner routinessaw efforts by both McConville and Ennis blocked before Marsh was able to fire home the rebound.

The joy at taking a foothold in the game was unconfined when, moments later and after further pressure, Platt rifled home a free kick from all of thirty yards that the Boston keeper had no chance with.

The third goal in any game can prove crucial in so much as it can swing the balance of play either way and so it proved, when Boston were able to get a foothold thanks to Sensara, after what was a fumbled error in a save by Jameson.

After a period of chances at both ends, Celtic's two goal cushion was restored once again, when Marsh beat the offside trap for pace and coolly slotted home his second of the game.

In what was a game of well taken goals, the pick of the bunch came when Boston reduced the arrears straight away, thanks to an absolute humdinger from Fairclough, perhaps the best goal seen at Bower Fold all season.

Thank to their never say die attitude, Boston took a point from the game, after twice coming back from two down, when Newsham scored, after what was ultimately another error by the unfortunate Jameson, who perhaps in hindsight had done all he could in an attempt to block the ball from going in.

In essence, results under the new management duo have been as good as they could be hoped for, given the resources available.

An improvement on the field and increased financial security off it are targets that should hopefully both be met and surpassed with flying colours this year.

The football played is of an exciting standard and there is a certain belief around the camp, which perhaps has not existed for a while.

Whilst attacking wise, thing looks good, the back line could perhaps do with a little more confidence and security, not that the efforts of these young lads can be faulted.

As long as the shortcomings can be addressed, things are indeed heading in the right direction.

The journey continues.

1King, Lewis  
2Mears, LiamYellow Card 
3Steer, Rene  > 40
4Marshall, Conor  
5Garner, Scott  
6Piergianni, Carl  
7Ross, Ian  
8Sensara, Netan  
9Miller, Ricky  > 13
10Newsham, Marc  
11Galinski, Stefan  > 77
12Weir-Daley, Spencer  < 13
14Milnes, Ben  
15Fairclough, Ben  < 40
16Hall, Jake  < 77
17Vince, Sam   
Match Sponsor
Ridge Hill Working Mens Club
Ball Sponsor
The Torr Family
Man of the Match Sponsor
Peter Wragg