Celtic Suffer Opening Day Defeat

A deflected goal at the end of the first half undid a strong defensive performance from Celtic, putting the league favourites in the driving seat.

Former Celt, Darius Osei was twice denied early on by great saves by Greg Hall, the second a contender for save of the season as the ball came across the face for a simple tap-in, but incredibly, Hall got across and made the save. As the Celtic back line settled, South Shields had to start taking half chances, with Blair Adams and Will McGowan both off target and though Martin Smith got his effort on target, he didn’t trouble Hall. A great strike from 20 yards by Adams had to be superbly tipped over the bar, and though Celtic defended the first corner, the second saw a routine that left McGovern in space to put the ball in for Gary Liddle. Liddle’s low shot took a wicked deflection and Shields went in at half time a goal up.

Celtic started the second half strongly, worrying the home defence but Shields defended well, although they were almost undone when a corner routine left Tom Miller free, but his shot flew narrowly wide.

Six minutes from time, the home side made the game safe when Hall slipped on a clearance allowing substitute João Gomes to race towards goal. Though the defence made it difficult he showed strength to fashion a drilled shot across the scrambling Hall and put a gloss on the score line.

There was just enough time for Ozzie Abadaki to take a strike just wide before time ran out.

Full-time result: South Shields 2-0 Stalybridge Celtic