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