MATCH REPORT; Madison Celtic 1 Stamford City 1

MATCH REPORT FROM RAVI!

Every season needs to have at least one total logistical shit-show and the game against Stamford City, the team just below us in the table, proved to be just that, as the league messed up on scheduling referees, leaving us without one for nearly the first hour. Both sides warmed up under an overcast sky that broke into mugginess, waiting for the refs to show up, when a deal was brokered by both sides to begin the match without them. This was a hotly contested subject as Tom rightly pointed out that without refs the game could devolve into injury, while others didn't want to risk the points. But we kicked off nonetheless and the luckily a ref arrived 5 minutes in. 

Perhaps spurred by the irritation of cooling our boots for so long, Celtic began smartly and moved the ball around pretty well. Stamford City doesn't boast the league's top defense for nothing however, and in spite of being clearly physically and skillfully inferior, they proved to be tightly sealed. Michael had a solid debut in midfield and Ronnie played some good balls to the forwards. The best chance in the first twenty minutes came when a long through ball was played down the left flank, allowing Todd and his superior pace to run onto it past their right back. With only the keeper to beat, he probably had time to take an extra dribble and could have then passed the ball into the juicy part of the net, but he took the ball on the run and the surprisingly spry keeper got a lucky leg to it to poke it away. 

With the introduction of a group of substitutes, the energy was bolstered even more. With a new forward line and midfielders, Celtic pushed it into yet another gear and for a stretch probably demonstrated some of the best football of the season. Crisp, one touch passes and build up play, resulted in some good chances, and overall, the pressure proved the old adage that the best defense is a good offense and that when even the defenders are involved in the attack, we are hard to beat. This proved true when Eduardo took a ball well outside of our own box and with an eagle's eye, played a long crossing ball all the way to the opposite flag where it arrived perfectly on a sprinting Leo's foot and this time, there was no hesitation as he used the outside of his foot to flick the ball into the corner of the net to give Celtic the lead. 

The second half began with good energy, but we grew a little complacent, having dominated possession and created more chances which gave us a false sense of being up more than we actually were. The substitution pattern probably didn't do us any favors as well, as we went in and out in blocks, not allowing for different player pairings or more tactical ideas to take shape. One of those lulls allowed a loose ball to be played to Stamford City player at the top of the box and their striker fired home one of the only shots they took all game to tie up the score. 

The game ended with Celtic putting on relentless pressure. Tano had a swerving shot blocked. Ravi took a throw in near the end line and beat two defenders to put a low drive into the side netting. Leo had a few more good runs, nearly finishing off his brace. Ronnie and Johnny B all had chances. However, as the game waned, Celtic was unable to break through and the game ended in a draw with the distinct feeling that the better side should have won. 

The Man of the Match: solid if not spectacular performances by the whole team but I'd give it to the Midfield, simply because they demonstrated in stretches what can be accomplished if they push the action forward and support the strikers. Even though a goal didn't come, the chances created especially at the end of the first half were high quality and that's thanks in large part to the midfield.