We started their New Year programme with a well-deserved 2-1 victory at Caerau (Ely) and, in so doing completed the double over the Young Guns having achieved their last win against them 3 months ago. The surface of the pitch was white with frost and was barely playable but credit to both teams who mastered the conditions to put on an entertaining game. Both sides fielded new transfer window signings. Celtic had Dylan Dinham from Pontypridd at centre back and the hosts gave a debut to ex-Celtic defender Harrison Lewis. There was a new assistant coach in the Celtic dugout, Steve Muir, formerly at Caerleon.
We made a dream start when, on 2 minutes, Caerau’s two left side defenders both left the ball to each other. Andrew Larcombe nipped in and slotted the ball to Alex McDowell who left footed the ball into the corner of the net. In the 9th minute home skipper Jack Ashford and Celtic keeper Jamie Pring collided on the edge of the box. Pring required treatment. Larcombe had two chances – a shot straight at the keeper and another over the bar. On 32 minutes Pring’s injury forced him to retire to be replaced by Lewis Watkins who was soon in action, diving to save Caerau’s first shot on target. Caerau had another chance just before half-time, Bishop heading over the bar from a corner.
With the 2nd half just 4 minutes old Celtic won a corner which Tom Meechan floated into the box where the unmarked Cole Doolan rose to head home – 2-0 to Celtic. The goal spurred the hosts into life and in the following 5 minutes they had 4 shots but only one was on target and that was straight at Watkins. Celtic responded with a pot-shot lob from McDowell which sailed wide of the upright. As the game progressed and the players tired on the heavy pitch, further chances were created. Tricky left winger Samson’s shot was blocked by Callum Hodges. Meechan shot over the bar. Substitute Pascoe’s shot was saved by Watkins and McLean hit a free kick wide.
Caerau continued to apply the pressure. In the 81st minute Watkins pulled off a great double save to keep out shots by Lewis and Griffiths and in the 84th minute their persistence paid off when Griffiths flicked a pass from McLean into the net. Celtic could have been excused for shutting up shot but with fresh legs up front – Josh Winstone and Gabriel Howells, they attacked on the counter. Sam Powell played Howells down the right. The teenager crossed to Lewis McCauley who played the ball sideways to Larcombe who shot over the bar. Then Winstone crossed for Larcombe who hit the post with the last shot of the game.
This was a fine team effort from the whole side. New boy Dinham settled in seamlessly at centre back alongside the commanding Callum Hodges. And I must mention substitute Gabriel Howells who was a bundle of energy in his 30-minute cameo on the right wing. This win moves Celtic off the bottom of the table ahead of Taffs Well.
Caerau (Ely) FCCwmbran Celtic 