Match Report; Southeast Rovers 1 Guilford Celtic 2

The Celts started the new season in Division 2 with a new name, some new players and three shiny new points! Southeast Rovers had finished 4th in Div 2 last season so this was always going to be a good test of how Guilford Celtic might fare in the coming season. And if this game is any indicator then it could be a great season. The first half was a mostly even battle between the teams with some great probing passes by the Celtic midfield and some smart runs by Rob and Micheal up front. Not many clear cut chances were coming to either team but when the Rovers did get a shot off Dustin was there to clear things up. The defense was largely untroubled but just as we moved in to injury time at the end of the half a slight miss kick allowed the ball to fall to a Rovers forward who slammed the ball in to the net. Not exactly against the run of play but certainly an unfair scoreline at the half.
The second half started with the Celts in commanding form. Strong runs by Johnny I and La Boca on the right probing the week Rovers defense and Dan on the left keeping everyone out.
A superb move by Johnny B unleashed an inch perfect pass to Michael on the edge of the box. With a lot still to do, Michael shimmied and shaped to fire an unstoppable shot past the stranded Rovers goalie. A really well deserved equalizer and there was a lot more to come from a fired up Celtic team. Rob had been elbowed in the mouth during the first half but battled on in the second and it was he who got the go ahead goal. Another great pass, this time from Michael, found Rob in space who had the simple task of slotting it in to the net. Two one up and cruising with  the Celtic team passing the ball around really well. The Southeast Rovers defense were struggling to deal with the probing runs of the Celtic attack as Tano, Marcos, Michael and Rob took it in turns to torture them.
As the half neared the end not surprisingly the team started to tire and the Rovers got back into the game with more chances coming their way. But each attack was repelled by the superb defense and Dustin in particular. Jim and Tim were rocks in the center of defense but to be honest this was a huge team effort. The whistle sounded to allow the new Guilford Celts to claim all 3 points on their return to the 2nd Division!

Man Of The Match; Hard to pick out from so many great players on the day. Johnny B and Alex in midfield were superb along with Nino and La Boca. The defense were solid especially Big Dan and Dustin. But because of his great  goal and assist, and overall attacking play the MOM goes to Michael for a superb performance!

Johnny I on the move!

Johnny H on the move too!

Big crowd watching the game

NEXT GAME; Sunday 9th April vs Southeast Rovers (A)

The first game of the new season is upon us! We enter the second division for the first time in two years with an away game against Southeast Rovers at New London High School. The Rovers finished 4th in the 2nd Div at the end of last season so will be feeling confident that they can take 3 points off a recent inhabitant of the third division! Let's prove them wrong by getting off to a flyer!

This is an 8AM KICK OFF!!!

NEW LONDON HIGH SCHOOL;

490 Jefferson Avenue. New London, CT 06320 I-95 North to Exit 82. Turn right off the exit onto Broad Street. Proceed to the first traffic light and turn right (Jefferson Avenue). Proceed to the next traffic light and turn right. Proceed 50 yards and turn left into the New London High School parking lot. The field is located at the bottom of the hill. 

Thanks Nino!

The Scots and Argentina contingent!

Many thanks to Nino for hosting a fantastic night  for the team at his restaurant La Marea in Old Saybrook. Great food, great wine and fantastic company!  Thank you so much Nino!

La Boca!

The Runners Up Cup!

Friendly Match; Guilford Celtic 1 Guilford Black Eagles 0

Guilford Celtic tried out their new name against their old rivals the Black Eagles in a pre season friendly and ran out deserved one nil victors. Madison Celtic  have been playing out of Guilford for over a year and it was appropriate that they would change their name to represent their new home town. And the name change didn't seem to affect the way they played as they started off where they finished last year with a very polished performance. Nil nil at half time with some good play, turned into a narrow one nil win after a great goal from a trim looking Johnny B. He could have nabbed a couple more goals in the half as the Celts dominated the game.
Overall a nice run out before the tough stuff starts next week with the first game of the season away to Southeast Rovers in the Second Division!