Tonight saw Stalybridge Celtic under 12s take in Cliftonville from Belfast, Northern Ireland.
The first half started very evenly with both teams having good spells in the opponents half although looking a little nervy. The home team Celtic, taking advantage of the spell with a well taken finish from Jacob Burns, looping the ball over the keeper.
The game continued to be closely contested with Cliftonville equalising from a corner; the first half finishing a fair 1-1.
Second half Celtic started brightly with a good 10 minute spell with Cliftonville under pressure, unfortunately we didn’t capitalise and got caught on the counter, giving away a free kick in a dangerous position and going a goal down. This lifted Cliftonville ending Celtics period of good possession and the game became end to end.
Both teams had a few decent chances with Cliftonville taking one to go into a 3-1 lead. Unlucky for Celtic! Celtic then upped the ante a little and clawed back a goal via a James Duggan Penalty 3-2 with 5 minutes left.
A well contested last 5 minutes saw Celtic push up high and go for an equaliser, unfortunately to concede a corner from a counter attack from which Cliftonville scored a fourth.
All kids seemed to have an enjoyable night with Cliftonville taking a trophy for there efforts back to Northern Ireland !
Final score
Stalybridge Celtic 2-4 Cliftonville
Words: Chris Graham
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