Cwmbran Celtic vs Goytre United

Match Report

Matchday Programme

CELTIC GRAFT OUT AN EXCELLENT WIN AGAINST TOUGH OPPONENTS

We welcomed back Callum Hodges and Andrew Larcombe from injury and Mario Van Dieren, who was unavailable last week. However, we were without striker Alex Bonthron, who was part of the Tim Rhanbarthol y De squad representing Wales in the UEFA Regions Cup in Serbia, Isaac Powell who was ill, Kian Bodenham (injured) and Josh Rippon (working). This gave an opportunity to young Ethan Hooper, who was included on the bench for his first appearance in the 1^st team squad.

The first half was played out without too much incident. Both sides played very cagily and didn’t create any real goal-scoring chances. With Callum Hodges marshalling the troops at the back, we looked secure defensively. Likewise, with Dan Paul and Rhys Thomas dominating things at the back, Goytre United gave nothing away.

The blank scoreline at the break pretty much reflected the play.

Half-time: Celtic 0 Goytre United 0

We started the second half with more purpose and, in the 53^rd minute, were rewarded when the referee awarded a penalty when Andrew Larcombe was brought down the box. In the absence of Alex Bonthron, Tom Meechen took over spot-kick duties. His low shot to Cavalcante’s left was partially saved by the ‘keeper when he parried the ball on the post but, fortunately for us, it rebounded into the net to put us 1-0 up.

Goytre’s Dan Paul was sent off in the 66^th minute for a second yellow card and their task became even harder a couple of minutes later when Tom Meechen went on a surging run into the box and was brought down from behind by Iwan Batcup. The referee immediately pointed to the spot again. Tom stepped up and this time he easily beat Cavalcante who was sent the wrong way.

Celtic then dominated play for the remainder of the half but, as we often do unfortunately, we gave away a goal in added time when Keane Watts prodded the ball home after a scramble in the goalmouth.

Full-time: Celtic 2 Goytre United 1

MOM: There were a few contenders for Man of the Match today but for his dominating influence in the centre of our defence it was Callum Hodges who got the nod.