Celtic return from Scarborough with a point

BetVictor Premier Division: Scarborough Athletic 0-0 Stalybridge Celtic

A wonder goal from Ryan Watson won the second half for Scarborough after Darius Osei opened the scoring for Celtic in the first.

The game had a cagey opening from both teams, with Scarborough seemingly more intent on containing Celtic early on. Even so, Celtic carved out chances. After a great cross from Scott Bakkor evaded the toes of Osei, the ball was brought back in and Neil Kengni fired the wrong side of the post. A corner routine came out to Declan Walker who had a dipping effort fly over the bar. Kallum Mantack was the first to test Tommy Taylor, but though the shot was decent, Taylor was up to it.

Celtic were slowly getting on top when Neil Kengni’s low drive was deflected into the air by the foot of Harry Coates. Taylor came out, but Osei was quicker, darting in and side-footing the ball past Taylor rolling into the back of the net.

Scarborough came back strongly in the second half, the game picking up pace and seesawing from end to end, Ryan Watson finally had a shot on target for the home team, but Alex Fojtíček was well placed. At the other end, Anthony Whitehead tried a twenty yard low drive, but it lacked the power to beat Taylor. Celtic had a massive let off just past the hour mark when Michael Coulson rounded Fojtíček, and though Chris Smalley had got back to push him across the face, he still had the goal at his mercy and screwed his shot horribly wide.

Scarborough equalised with a superb strike from Ryan Watson, thirty yards out, he received the ball with a bit of space and he used it to unleash a curling dipping shot that had Fojtíček grasping air.

Both teams had chances, but neither team could keep their efforts on target, Watson and Walshaw both snatching at efforts for the home team, and Bakkor producing a great run, but firing wide to leave the two teams level.

It was a shame Alex Fojtíček couldn’t finish his time with Celtic with a clean sheet that would have given Celtic double over Scarborough, but shots like Watson’s are unstoppable.

By Deborah Taylor