Match Report -
Punted goal the difference
By Deborah Taylor

A single route-one goal was the difference in Celtic's visit to Liverpool.

The first half saw Marine exert their physical dominance over Celtic, but despite Celtic's technical ability that allowed Tom Miller an early shot on the run, the game's only goal came when former Celtic custodian Liam Isherwood punted long down the field. Marine knew their artificial pitch better than Celtic, with Sol Solomon racing past the Celtic defence, the bounce misjudged sailing over the back-line and allowing Solomon to latch on and fire low past Greg Hall. Josh Solomon-Davies powered past Raheem Hanley, setting up James Barrigan, but Hall got his body behind the ball, and had even less problem catching Joe Bunney's header. Just before the interval, Celtic put together a total team move, culminating in Chris Dagnall half-volleying, but Isherwood put out a powerful hand to divert the shot around the post.

The second half saw Celtic attempt to get back into the game, with the balance of chances tilting into Celtic's favour. Raul Correia forced Isherwood into a decent stop, before a flying save at close range from Godwin Abadaki kept Marine's nose in front. Kyle Harrison almost made it two goals in two games, flicking a corner goalward, but through a crowd, Isherwood clutched the ball. Djavan Pedro got two excellent chances minutes apart, but both times, his header lacked the power to beat Isherwood. Despite five added minutes, Celtic could not repeat the heroics of Saturday for another comeback.

1Isherwood, Liam  
2Solomon-Davies, Joshua  > 86
3Smith, Sean  > 81
4Earl, Lewis  
5Wardle, Joshua  
6Spittle, JonathanYellow Card 
7Barrigan, James  
8Doyle, Charlie  
9Bunney, Joseph  
10Solomon, Sol  
11Scarisbrick, Andrew  
12Clark, Luke  
13Mendez, Germino  
14Doyle, Alex  < 86
15Lussey, Jordan  < 81
16Weir, Lucas