Welcome to the home of the Under 10's A Team.
Coaches: Michael McAleavey / Kevin McDonald

Training Times:
Cleator Moor Astro-Turf
Mondays: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Fridays: 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Please bring £1.50, drink and shinpads.

Match Reports

CELTIC 'A' 3 v WHITEHAVEN AMATEURS 0

This game was played down at the Cleator pitch on saturday, and it was a key game as it was against a team that was sitting on level points in the league with us. Who ever won was going to the top of the league, Amateurs have been much improved this season, so it was always going to be a tight match. The first half was played in a strong cross wind which, certainly didn't help either side control the ball well. But we certainly had most of the possession and looked the most threatening. The first goal, showed good persistence from Brad to chase down a lost cause, as the ball looked as if it was going out, he suppplied a cut back across the area and Adam slotted it in. So a decent start, and we relaxed into the rest of the half and looked comftable in all areas. HALF TIME 1-0 The team talk concentrated mainly on the work 'ethic' and the need to understand that Amateurs would not be falling away. The second half started mainly as we left off, and although we didn't score within 10 mins they were restricted to a deflected shot only, but it showed how close the margins are going to be in these last games. But the second goal came when a clearance from Connor Mac wasn't dealt with by their defence, and Connor Holl, latched onto it and smashed it in the net. This then allowed us to move on and dominate the rest of the game and we quickly made it 3, with a trademark Gregg header from a deep corner. So it ended up overall a good solid performance, against a good workmanlike team, but we showed that we had the cutting edge when needed. So with 5 league games to go we head off to Maryport next week to take on the 'Dolphins'

CELTIC 'A' 5 v WIGTON JUNIORS 0

We took to the Cleator pitch on a thursday evening, in bright sunshine, we were looking for an improvement after our first league defeat. The scoreline ended at 5-0, in our favour, but we only showed glimpses of our true form. The goals Adam 3 and Aiden 2 all came at regular intervals to ensure that we never looked like losing, but we did create plenty of chances early on, which shows that we were taking the game to the opposition. This showed no ill effects of last week. Again it was a comfortable win on paper, but most pleasing was the attitude to keep 'plugging' away when things did'nt come off right away. Gregg picked up the M.O.M and it was a performance on which we hope to build upon for the final 'run in'.

I got this match report on april 1st and I thought it was a bad joke!!

CELTIC'A' 1 v MARYPORT JUNIORS 2

This game was always likely to be a tough one, and when the fixture list came out, it was meant to be the last game and a possible title decider. Well thank god, it hasn't worked out that way, because for all the good work and praise the lads have recieved over the season so far, it was the first time this season that I have questioned their desire and commitment. So, to the game, and we got off to an unbelievable start as playing with the wind, Maryport could not clear a high ball and the ball bounced on their line and a mixture of Aiden and there defender made sure it went in to the net. This should have boosted our confidence to move on , but for the next 10 mins, Maryport had us on the backfoot with strong driving runs right in to the heart of our defence. This resulted in them not only scoring 2 goals, but also highlighting they had desire not to let the game slip away from them. We made some changes to stem the flow and for the remainder of the half, ensured our goal was then not threatened. But we did not take advantage of any field possession as we didn't hit a shot on target to trouble their keeper. HALF TIME Celtic 1 Maryport 2 The team talk, was directly focused on the lack of spirit and enthusiasm for the battle, and the need to work back into the game. So we then had to play into the wind and although Maryport had a decent 10 mins up at our end, we could not break out of our half, and failed to win any possession as we were constantly having to clear the ball anywhere. Although there was no scoring in the half and the result looks tight,unlike us, they shot at every opportunity, using the wind and if not for Connor making at least 4 goalscoring saves, the result would have been more emphatic. So the unbeaten record has gone, and because of our efforts so far this season we are still in a 'favourites' position with 7 games to go, but the teams performance cannot afford to be so poor again, as there is 4 or 5 teams who will take advantage as they all want to beat the 'Celtic'. We must also remember we have the opportunity for revenge against the 'port' as we meet in the league cup final on Sunday May 4th. So those who thought it was a 'sure thing' take note you only 'get out' what you 'put in' in any game. Let's now move on and ensure we pick up 2 wins this week (Wigton/Amateurs)to get into a healthy league position.

Poor Michael he couldn't enjoy his guiness it ruined his day! it might have been your first defeat this season but it was Michael's first defeat in 4 years so the shock was a killer for him - How very dare you! the stats have been binned until the end of the season, they obviously make you over confident.

Come on the hoops

Friday 21st March ( Good Friday)

CELTIC 'A' 4 v WIGTON JUNIORS 0

Good Friday seen us travel to our furthest venue in the league calender, (almost Scotland), an away trip up to Wigton and their new venue. News came thro' the night before that they were unlucky not to win against a useful Bigrigg outfit, and coupled this with their 4-0 demolition of Windscale, seen us concerned that they had not to be underestimated. The pitch was reasonably wide but only short in length, and we knew we would have to defend well from their keepers long kick outs. The game started and we adapted the quickest, always first to the ball. We constantly attacked down the flanks and created good openings but the opposition keeper pulled off numerous saves one from Adam which was top class. But all this pressure took its toll, and they could not stop Brad finishing cooly to slot home the opener. We then pressed on again, and a raid down the right seen Adam finish with a fine strike to make it two. We were on top at this point and Wigton were looking a bit jaded, and as half time approached Brad again cooly slotted in the third as their keeper charged out. Half time Celtic 3 Wigton 0 The team talk praised the lads attitude of not underestimating the opposition and concentrating on their own game. The second half kicked off and we found the home team more resiliant and determined and they fought well to restrict us to just the one second half goal, which came from Connor Holl'. They had a little bit of possesion and had the odd chance to score but could not hit the target. But deserved some credit for battling for the full 40 mins. They could well do us a favour as the season ends, as teams will not find it easy to win up there and hopefully they could pinch some points off our rivals. So the bandwagon rolls on and next up is Scaryport, and a real 6 pointer if ever there was one. It's a game we have to apply ourselves, and produce the football that we know we can play. Bring it on.

CELTIC 'A' 1 v WORKINGTON RED DEVILS 1

This game was played down at St.Bennies' on a dry but blustery morning, as the warm up's took place it was easy to see that Workington had come prepared and focused, and that this fixture meant a lot to them. We kicked off and we knew the game would probably be the most physical match we would get all season, and this proved to be so as the tough tackling from both sides seen the game become a midfield battle. Then from a corner by Aiden, who else but Gregg got his head to the ball and guided it into the net for the opener. Now normally this goal would settle the lads down and put the opposition on the backfoot, but to Workington's credit they battled on to half time and although they won plenty of the ball they had not really troubled the Celtic net. Half time Celtic 1 Workington 0 The team talk emphasised that we needed to battle to maintain an equal foothold in the game. So off we went to try and push on to victory, but we found ourselves time and time again 'penned' in our own half as we failed to pass the ball up the field and threaten their goal. Workington were now playing strong determined football, and running thro' the middle at will putting the goal under pressure, and it was no suprise when they desrvedly equalised with about 8 mins to go. So now it was all hands to the 'pumps' to hold out the visitors attack, which showed some good character as we were physically out on our feet. The final whistle blew and we had kept our unbeaten run going, although this was the toughest game we have had all season, which shows that Workington do not want to let go of the league title they won last year without a fight. WE WILL make sure that the return fixture thro' there, will be prepared for as if it is our most important game ever!!.

CELTIC 'A' 3 v SEATON JUNIORS 1

This was the first of a run of 4 key games in a row, where the good work already put in this season will be fully tested. Seaton arrived with plenty of confidence and it was vital that we took the game to them. The match kicked off down at St.Bennies' and just what the coaches wanted, we 'got at them' and took possession of the ball for the majority of the half. The ball was moved well around the park with plenty of variation, and Seaton struggled to cope with our movement. It was just reward that on 12 mins we took the lead, Brad releasing Adam down the right and a powerful shot down to the keepers left which he could not hold squirmed in. We then continued with a few chances to extend the lead, before against the run of play Seaton equalised with a 'fluke' of a goal as a wicked bounce and deflection looped over Connor and into the net. With half time approaching it seemed as if all the good work had been lost, until a real 'sucker punch' was delivered by Gregg, a neat turn and from 20 yards out an unstoppable shot restored the much deserved lead. Half time talk concentrated on the need to keep a high tempo pace going. So the game restarted and for the first 10 mins of the half it was fairly even with Seaton coming more into the game, as players tired it opened up the space and it looked likely the next goal would decide the match either way, and it was the bhoys who battled for it, a neat move up the right seen a fierce shot from Adam hit a defender then their keeper and run across the face of the goal, and up popped Connor H to stab it in and give us the 3 points. The bhoys really worked hard for the win and this is the standard that will be needed for the remiander of the games, Byran typified this with another M.O.M. award thats 3 in a row and his first as a ten year old. So next week sees us against an old foe in Workington (last years champions) who have just turned over Maryport 2-1, so dont expect it any easier this week.

23.02.08 Celtic 2 - 0 Cockermouth

This game was played on a wet damp saturday morning, with the pitch condition 'dubious' but confidence was high to continue with our unbeaten league record. Cockermouth were responsible for taking 2 points off us thro' at their place and we knew they would be very dogged and determined to likewise again. So it was glad to see that from the kick off we were on top, and making inroads down the right at will, but the visitors defence worked hard to restrict our actual goal efforts. Numerous corners threatened a goal, but to no avail, and as the game moved past 15mins it was apparent this was going to be a tough encounter in which the lads would have to battle for the points. But just as we were getting a little fustrated, up popped another move down the right and the cross was headed by Gregg, but on its way wide it took a deflection off their defender and we were one up. This settled us down and we seen out the half, deservedly in the lead. Team talk emphasised the need to out work our opposition and that would see us home. We took to the second half, and started quite brightly then after 5 mins we started to tire on the big muddy pitch, which started letting the visitors have a little bit of possession. They never took advantage of this though and were limited to a few speculative efforts which were dealt with comfortably. With the game starting to become a midfield battle, we were then looking for something to win us the match, and a neat move seen Adam relesed on the left side of the area from which he finished well. The points then 'sewn up' we relaxed and let them back into the game, instead of finishing strong and killing them off. So the whistle blew and a hard earned victory was won, in which the lads had to show some stamina to keep Cockermouth at bay for 40 mins. M.O.M Byran Todd.(aged 9) .  Happy birthday Byran for Sunday next time you get M.O.M you'll be 10.

played 19 won 17 lost 0 drew 2 scored 94 conceded 4 in 2 competitions not bad at all

16.02.08 Windscales 2- 4 Celtic

Saturday's game was cautiously anticipated as it was against one of the bogey teams who always put on a good performance agaist us.  With them smarting from a surprise defeat last week it was dangerous territory we were entering.  We had to be switched on as our last couple of games had not been very testing.  It was a beautiful morning, fine and sunny with a good omen of the U14's stuffing Windscale on the ajacent pitch.  Kicking off saw the first 5 minutes even but we had the lions share of territory as they got snuffed out when they reached the half way line.  Then from a corner on the left, as the ball fell loose Greg pounced and gave us the lead.  This helped us to settle and play a more controlled game.  More approach play up the left saw Aiden Kegg on the edge of the area lob the keeper to make it 2-0.  We played out the rest of the half in their third of the pitch and only once did they manage to create a worthwhile effort but Con McAleavey pulled off another text book save.  In to half time 2-0 up.

Team talk covered how well we were competing and the fact that we would settle for a 2-0 at the final whistle.  A couple of changes made to up the tempo saw true to form Scottie Mc play in a sublime ball to Brad who in turn took it forward and released it perfectly for Adam to run on and plant it in the back of the net.  More changes made saw 2 more Connors and a Deano make the pitch, perhaps this unsttled the team because their midfilders started to get a grip on the game and we found ourselves under pressure.  From one such attack their physical forward steam rolled the ball in after a couple of attempts to give them what seemed like a consolation goal but within a couple of  minutes they were right in the mix again and added number 2.  Well what an upset this would surely test the metal of the bhoys would they give up, drop their heads and play out to the whistle?  Not our bhoys they're made of sterner stuff.  With the home crowd sensing an upset and the away crowd getting a tad nervous it was more changing of positions to sort it out.  Luckilly our bhoys have the green and white pumping vigorously through their veins and they never gave up.  Byran the bold and Scottie Mc comiung up trumps yet again to ensure our lines stay defended.  With  Five minutes left to go the game winner came courtesy of Brad who slipped his marker and placed it in the corner to give us the final score of 2-4 to us.  So a tough encounter which we battled through for the 3 points, so we move on to a home game next week against Cockermouth (not forgetting they nicked 2 points off us the last time we met - but that was a completely different story).  Nothing less than a victory will do.

Celtic A 6-0 Miners

I have no match report for this game but we won and that'll do me.  Although the local paper stated it was 0-0 draw we all know that wasn't true so don't despair little buddies you are still flying high.

CELTIC 9-0 MINERS

A return to league action after the christmas break, seen us travel the short distance to the St Benedict's Astroturf.  Despite terrible weather the 10.00 KO meant a dry match.  The same starting line up as last time took to the pitch with great gusto ( who's he?) and quickly encamped in the miners half.  It was just not possible to break through the defence even though we had all the possession, it seemed really crowded then one observant person noticed that there was 8 miners on the pitch not 7.  Once the misunderstanding was sorted out and we were doing regular 7v7 the hoopies took over.  Using the space down the flanks  we got in some top quality crosses but it took a peach of a strike from Greg Rooney (C) to open the scoring it had power and dip and left their keeper no chance.  Within a couple of minutes it was 2, a corner from Adam on the right came in like a thunderbolt right to waiting Greg who obliged by putting it in the top corner.  Now we were on a role with chance after chance but their keeper was on top form and pulled off some pretty good saves and some spectacular ones too.  unfortunatley for him he spilled one and the poachers were there to pounce Aiden being the man this time.

Another positive half time team talk - let the ball do the talking and play (simple but effective).  Miners had a couple of chances after the break and gave a bit of pressure with corners and such like but they were no match for Con McAleavey in the Celtic goal who handled everything they sent him.  His distribution was impeccable and from one of his well placed throws he found Connor McCrickard on the left, he ran up to the edge of the box, crossed the ball with pace to Adam who fired it home (4).  One minute later another cross from Adam wasn't cleared by their defence and it came to Brad Miller who slotted it home for no 5.  A few changes in the ranks to consolidate the lead and slow things down a bit to see the game out.  But the bhoys were on a role and they just utilised the space given to them down the wings which in turn opened up the oppostion which in turn led to a late goal flurry.  Connor McCrickard made a surging run and fired one on target but the keeper got a hand to it but still on target Scotty stuck his foot on it to pinch the goal.  Another run by Connor McCrickard saw him hit the goal line and put in a wicked cross it bounced about the area before Scotty mac struck it in the net(7).    Poor old Con Mc in nets was all alone as everyone wanted to get a goal.  Byran's chance got deflected and Aiden was waiting to pounce again(8).  In the last minute came the last goal a neat pass from Con McCrickard saw Scotty latch on to it and side foot passed the keeper for his hat-trick and goal no 9.  A well deserved win with fine passing and moving.

M.O.M Adam Meagan

Celtic A 4-0 CELTIC B

 After a good 6 weeks of inactivity the game was organised during the xmas break to keep both teams in swing.  We knew it would be a different encounter this time as the B's have jelled to make a good competative outfit.  The game was arranged for Cleator pitch @ 11.00  the weather was ok, mild and dry if only that would last and the players were keen as mustard to play.  Once the game kicked off there was some stretching passing from the A's who used the full width of the pitch to their advantage.  3 mins in saw a lay off from Brad Miller to the left wing which Scotty Mac graciously put in the back of the net (well drill it in actually).  More pressure applied led to a flowing passing movement which cut the B team wide open and ended with a well struck goal from Greg Rooney.  Ten mins gone and 2-0 up things were going well, then a couple of chances from Ellis Curnow and Kyle Martin but Con McAleavey was always ready to deal with things.  Half time loomed when Byran Released a ball to Brad who slid it through the middle and Scotty Mac was there again to put it home.

Half time over and business gets under way (very positive)  slight concern about being opened up down the middle so tactical change saw Byran eliminate this threat early in the half.  We dominated possession and plugged the B team attack.  It was then a case of converting the pressure into goals but unlike the first half the B team defence was more resolute.   Inspired by their captain Tobias McAteer, who never flinched from a tackle their defending was inspired.  Numerous efforts were flying in but but a few excellent saves from Ewan McAllister and a few missed sitters made it great to watch but frustrating to say the least.  The only goal of the half coming from a Brad Miller tap in after a slipped ball made for a scramble in the box.  The last 5 mins of the game dragged wearilly on with the lack of matches showing on the fitness levels of the bhoys.  Finally the whistle blew to leave a 4-0 scoreline in favour of the A's.

M.O.M Scott McDonald "A" and Tobias McAteer "B"

Sunday 21st October 2007
Celtic u10B 0 vs 6 Celtic u10A

The inter club fixture between the A&B teams kicked off in bright sunshine
on Sunday. There was obviously a big chance of a 'banana skin' result as
these lads all know each others game inside out. But to their credit the 'A'
team lads adopted the right attitude from the kick off and looked upon it as
a 'key game', which had to be won.
This attitude was demonstrated early on by M.O.M Gregg Rooney, who tore into
every tackle, and fired the first goal in from distance after a determined
run. Then a key moment in the game with the 'B' team still dwelling on the
first score, up popped Brad Miller with a similar strike, two goals in two
minutes. This allowed the boys some breathing space and time to get the ball
down and play some controlled football. A few more chances fell, and one of
these seen an unfortunate own goal, making the half time score 0 v 3.
Some words of praise from the coach and a change of personnel, with the
message to keep up the pressure, sent the lads back onto the field. To their
credit they continued just as they'd left off, with some good probing runs
from Ben down the right. But the next goal fell to a well drilled Aiden Kegg
finish, from some good approach play thro' the middle. two more goals again
thro' Brad, and Gregg seen the last of the scoring, but there were some
golden chances stopped by Ewan McAllister, who was well helped by Tobias
McAteer (M.O.M) in thwarting what could have been an avalanche of goals.
The 'A' team defensive unit, coped well, and stifled the 'B' team attack
down to just a couple of shots throughout the game. So a comprehensive win
in the end, but I'm sure it will not be that easy when we meet in the return
before Christmas. 

Saturday 13th October 2007
Whitehaven Miners 0 vs 3 Celtic u10A

Saturday 6th October 2007
Celtic u10A 1 vs 1 St Bees

Friday 21st September 2007
Celtic u10A  2 vs 0  Maryport Juniors

Sunday 16th September 2007
Bigrigg Bulls 1 vs 3 Celtic u10A

Saturday 8th September 2007
Bransty Rangers 0 vs 5 Celtic u10A

The season started on Saturday with what on paper was meant to be an easy fixture, based on last years results. But under a new regime Bransty showed some dogged determination in defence to ensure the lads had to work hard for their victory. Although the Hoops were seldom troubled throughout the game, it always looked comfortable to deal with any possible threat that Bransty could muster. The Celtic build up play was really good carving out numerous chances, that always seemed to be just wide, getting shots on target was proving difficult. 18 minutes into the second half and 0-0 against Bransty was not expected. Then 2 goals in 2 minutes from Brad Miller, eased the half time team talk and settled the large travelling support. The second half began in a similar vein and as changes in personnel settled into the game, it took ten minutes to make it 3-0 with a determined run and finish from Byran Todd. More pressure brought numerous corners and from 2 of these Conor Hollerin added 2 goals with his trademark strikes. The game then finished 5 mins short and confusion reigned, but a decent display for the first game, some decent moves put together, and therefore 3 points in the bag. Next game is in the cup so hopefully we can take that from and build on it to develop a winning attitude see you all on Wednesday.