MATCH REPORT; Guilford Celtic 1 Newington Portuguese 0

Ravi scores the winning goal!

A stunner of a victory for Guilford Celtic against last years unbeaten runaway div 3 champions saw the Celts rise to the top of Division 2! After a debut victory in the first game of the season the Celts followed up with a superb win again tough opponents Newington Portuguese. The Celts fielded a strong starting lineup but found themselves under the cosh for the first fifteen minutes or so of the game. But after that initial onslaught the home team found their way, and their passing, but it was still somewhat against the run of play when they snatched a goal. Poor play by the Newington defense allowed the ever sharp Ravi to latch on to a loose ball, run into the box and unleash an stoppable shot for the go ahead goal. The Celts were boosted by this and their possession surged as they took the game to Newington. The Portuguese outfit struggled to gain back their confidence and were lucky to not be 2 or 3 down by the half as chances came the Celts way. The second half was another strong performance by the Celts as they pressed and pressed the Newington defense. Of course it wasn't all one way traffic and the Guilford back line and goalie had to be alert to shots and probes by the visitors. The Celts had many chances to put this game away as Todd, Ravi, Tano and Edimar all had shots saved, parried, missed or smashed against the bar.  As the game wound down to near the end it looked like the Celts would hold out for a famous victory when calamity struck. Dustin was adjudged to have taken out a player in the box and a penalty was awarded to the visitors. The ball was struck well past Dustin's left hand side but a player encroachment was noticed ( Johnny B! ) and confirmed by the linesman. The ref ordered a retake and the Newington striker blasted the ball high and wide over the bar.
A let off but a much deserved one! The game too an ugly turn when Tano was tripped when clear on goal with the Newington defender shown a straight red for the offense. The Celts held on for the last few minutes of injury time to claim all 3 points and head to the top of the Division 2 table!

Man Of the Match

Some superb performances in defense and midfield but the MOM goes to Ravi for a great overall performance and the match wining goal!

PHOTO CREDS TO RONIILDO!

LaBoca whips in a corner

Hey, Nino!!

thanks Johnny B!

Defense holds strong!