MATCH REPORT; Cheshire 3 Madison 0

Another disappointing result for Madison Celtic as they slumped to their second defeat on the trot. The first half was a bit of  a repeat of the first game of the season with some  truly rusty passing and a lack of attack tactics. Cheshire are a good team but Madison managed to make them look like world beaters at times. The first goal, when it came, was an unfortunate defensive lapse allowing a fairly weak shot to get over the line. More lethargy from the Celts  allowed a second goal for the home team and a well deserved 2 goal lead at the half time break. The second half was much better from the Celts as they strung more passes together and made more attempts on goal. But, with no real test of the goalkeeper being made it was another mistake by the Celts that allowed the Cheshire team to race from the half way line  to score a very decisive third goal. Another three points dropped and  a real need for the team to get some tactics and some match fitness if they are going to compete

Man Of The Match  Some great performances from the new guys David, John I and Jim as well as another strong outing from Tim and Johnny B. But my MOM goes to Dan for a strong performance at the back filling in at the center back position after Mike got injured

NEXT GAME; Sunday April 27th vs Cheshire Inter

The second game of the season is an away game against Cheshire Inter. The game will be played at Quinnipiac Park  ( directions to the field below ). This is a 9am kick off so be there early!!
Last year we had a couple of good games against Cheshire losing 1-0 and drawing 2-2. I think we will have a good squad out for Sunday. I have 10 yes so far with 6 of you still to tell me if you are playing or not. Just add your name to the in or out bucket as soon as possible

A huge thanks to Tano for supplying the beer and food for the last home game....a really great gesture Tano!!

FIELD DIRECTIONS;

QUINNIPIAC RECREATION FIELDS:

1-91 to Exit 15 to Route 68 West, go about 6-8 miles to 3 way traffic light intersection and take Route 70 East. Go

about 2 miles, bear left at fork to Cheshire Street Fields about 1⁄2 mile on left.

Route 10 to Cheshire Center. At the three-way traffic light turn onto Route 68 / 70 East. Go through first traffic light and continue on Route 70 East. Follow above directions.

I-84 take I-691 to Exit 3 (Cheshire), end of exit ramp turn right to traffic light, turn left onto East Johnson Avenue. Go about 1-2 miles to stop sign, turn right onto Cheshire Street, go about 1-2 miles to entrance of Quinnipiac on right.

MATCH REPORT; Norwalk SC 4 Madison 1

A disappointing start to the new season for the Celts as they slumped to a 4-1 home defeat against Norwalk Sports Colombia. A 12 man squad were available at the start of the game for the Celts in stark contrast to the 16 man squad for the visitors, a difference that would prove pivotal during the game, as the home side found themselves playing with 10 men for large parts of the second half.

The game started with the Norwalk side on the attack putting a somewhat sluggish Madison team on the back heels. It was clear from the outset that the visitors were up for the game but the Celts were not. Some poor passing, bad positioning and a fear of the ball put the Madison team at a big disadvantage. Having said that, Johnny B and Ronnie were fighting for every ball in the crowded midfield although they did not have too many options for an out ball. Leo injured his thigh early in the game and struggled throughout the first half while Kevin was at times stranded out on the right wing. As the half wore on Hulk and the defense were increasingly coming under pressure pulling of last minute saves and clearances. When the inevitable opening goal came it was a simple run through the middle of the field followed by an even simpler lobbed pass to the fast running striker who had the skill to control the ball and skim past Mike before giving Hulk no chance with the shot. One nil to the visitors and no one could argue a deserved lead at the break. Tom A was injured in the first half leaving the team with no subs and a limping Leo up front.
But the Celts started the second half with a bit more vim and vigor with more direct passing and a lot better ball control. A few more chances came up front with attempts by Kevin and Ruggero going narrowly wide. The increased hope that the Celts were getting back in the game was confirmed by  a superb goal from Roniildo who received the ball on the left, moved to the edge of the box and chipped a wonderful shot over the goalie for the equalizer.  The hope was short lived as the visitors stepped up a gear and managed to get themselves back in front with a great goal. Things went from bad to worse when Leo had to leave the field dropping the team to 10 men ( who said we had too big a squad?? ).  Of course no game would be complete without some intervention from the ref crew and so it turned out when first a penalty was awarded against debut boy Johnny I to make it 3-1 and then a final insult of a non offside call to give them Norwalk visitors a somewhat flattering 4-1 win.
The Celts learned the hard way that the first game of the season is no place to say hello to the ball again for the first time in several months. Hopefully this will blow away all the Winter cobwebs and we can get off to a better start at our first away game of the season against Cheshire.

MAN OF THE MATCH; Both Johnny B and Ruggero did a lot running and tackling in the middle of the field an The Hulk pulled off a number of great saves. Johnny I also had a good debut apart from the pen. But for his industry and cheeky goal the first MOM goes to Roniildo

NEXT GAME; Sunday 13th April Vs Norwalk Sports Columbia

Our first game of the new season is a home game against Norwalk Sports  Columbia with a 10 am kick off! Last season was a tale of two halves. The first part of the season was awful and had us rooted to the bottom of the league but with the influx of some new players the second half of the season was noticeably better. We stayed up and we got to the semi final of the State cup!
Our first game of the season is against Norwalk SC and we have had some good tussles against them over the last couple of years. Last season we lost 1-0 at home to them but beat them 1-0 in the return fixture. Match report is here;

 http://madisonceltic.blogspot.com/2013/09/match-report-norwalk-sc-0-madison-1.html

Let's see if we can get the season off to a flying start with a win!  We will be checking on the state of the field over the next few days but it looks like we will all set for the Exchange field

DONT FORGET TO BRING YOUR TEAM FEE....$200

Season Fees!! Very Important!!

Hi Guys

Here is the breakdown for this seasons fees. Each of you needs to pay $200  to Madison Celtic as soon as you can. Please bring to the  first game or send to Ronnie.

CT State fee for player registration and Insurance                            $   500
SASL  membership fee                                                                     $   400
Ref/linesman fees ( $185 per game times 12 games )                       $ 2,200
Fines/Forfeits/Discipline Bond                                                         $   500

TOTAL                                                                                              $ 3,620

We divide this total by the 18 member squad to give us a rounded number of   $200 per head

Please bring your $200 in cash or a check written out to Madison Celtic FC as soon as you can. Ideally at the first game of the season


And don't forget the scrimmage match this Sunday morning at Guilford High School. 8am Kick off!!

The New Season is Nearly Here!!

I know...I cant believe it either but the new season is almost here!  Our first game of the season will be on Sunday the 13th April. This will be a home game and the details on that will come next week.

We have a scrimmage game planned for this Sunday against Madison over 30's at the Guilford Turf field.  This will be an 8am kick of and pretty essential to get rid of those Winter cobwebs.

So who is in? We need to get the numbers quickly


The season fees can now be calculated for the 18 team squad. I will lay the details of this out in the next blog  Please pay this as soon as you can. Both Ronnie and I payed the first half of the team fee at the end of last year with our own money so prompt payment will be much appreciated!

On a separate note, i know i bought some new Celtic shirts the last trip i took to the UK for Mike, Tim, Tano and Leo  I just can't remember what numbers you wanted on the backs. Can you tell me?

See you all soon!