Cwmbran Celtic vs Goytre United

Cwmbran Celtic retained 8th place outright with a well-earned point against 10th placed Goytre United who would have drawn level with Celtic had they won and indeed the visitors had the best chances to snatch the 3 points. Celtic had been slow out of the blocks in their previous 3 home games and it was more of the same in this encounter, Paul Edwards shooting across the goal when clean through and a great save by Watkins who tipped the giant Paul’s header over the bar.

Celtic’s first chance came on 22 minutes for Tom Meechan who turned and shot straight at keeper Morton. On 36 minutes Paul hit the bar from a corner. Celtic responded with a goalbound header by Andrew Larcombe from Isaac Powell’s free kick which was cleared off the line. On 42 minutes – yes shortly before half time yet again – the visitors took the lead. Owen made a mazy run down the middle from right back and found Harris unmarked on the right who drilled the ball home.

Celtic came out for the 2nd half a transformed team, their hard-working 5-man midfield at last getting a grip and it was no surprise when they equalised on 53minutes. Meechan was fouled on the edge of the penalty box. His free kick was beaten away by Morton but Isaac Powell followed up to blast the ball high into the net from an acute angle wide on the right touchline – a superb effort. Meechan’s 9th assist of the season puts him at the top of the Comet chart. Both sides strived for the winner and Jones will be rueing a golden chance to grab the win in the 82nd minute when he spooned a cross from Edwards over the bar from point-blank range.

Celtic’s next 3 games are all away and they finish off with 4 home games, 3 of which are against basement sides who will surely fight tooth and nail to avoid the drop. Celtic have the points in the bag, games in hand and a vastly superior goal difference but James Kinsella will certainly make sure there is no complacency in the run-in.