We slumped to our 6th successive defeat against Gwent rivals Newport City at the Avondale Motor Park Arena to end the year in bottom place in the League. With the score 0-0 on 55 minutes and City’s Luke Cooper having just been red-carded, Celtic had every prospect of getting something out of this game, but it was the visitors who took all 3 points when in the 72nd minute the unmarked Lathan Garrett headed home from a corner by Richard Noyes.
The first half was a dour affair with only shot on target, a 30-yard effort by Gerrard which hit the bar. The 2nd half was more of the same until the last quarter when both sides fashioned chances. For Celtic Isaac Powell hit the side netting. At the other end Bateman’s shot was headed off the line by Callum Hodges. In the closing minutes Tom Meechan hit the bar from a cross from the right and then City also hit the bar.
Cooper’s red card was for what the referee deemed to be a deliberate stamp on Andrew Larcombe’s hand from which the Celtic skipper required a lengthy spell of treatment. However, there was general agreement after the game (including Andrew’s account of the incident) that it was purely accidental and the sending-off was a bit harsh. City’s coaches Houldsworth and Sampson were also sent off for comments to the referee. Celtic now have their work cut-out if they are to avoid the drop as a 5-point gap has opened up between them and 11th placed Penrhiwceiber. The attendance of 170 was the best of the season for the 1st team at Celtic Park.
Cwmbran CelticNewport City 