Celtic went second in the league thanks to a hard earned win over Todmorden Borough at Belhome.
This was Trawden’s first game in over a month - and it showed. Todmorden are no mugs, they had lost only once at home all season and the quagmire of a pitch was a big leveller.
“Rusty” Celtic struggled to get their passing game together but they took the lead on 15 minutes thanks to a great bit of skill by Spencer Jordan. With three defenders around him, he twisted and turned to find some space at the edge of the box and beat the 'keeper with a great left foot chip.
The rest of the first half was dominated by Trawden but the Borough ‘keeper was in good form. He was beaten for a second time with a fine shot by Richard Dixon, but the ball came back off the post. Todmorden looked threatening on the break, but Celtic’s defence managed to cope comfortably.
Although not playing at their best, Trawden led 1-0 at half-time.
The second half was a different story. Despite going close twice in the first couple of minutes, Trawden played most of the half defending and relying on breakaways.
Todmorden grew in confidence and came close to equalising on a number of occasions.
Celtic stopper, Ben Gorman, practically redundant in the first half, thwarted the Borough strikers with his good positioning and fine handling, with one tip over the bar stopping what looked like a certain goal. That save came with 12 minutes left and earned Ben the man-of-the-match award.
With a Todmorden equaliser looking likely, Trawden manager Dave Whitfield made a tactical switch. With ten minutes to go, ex-keeper Calvin Anslow came off the sub’s bench for his outfield debut in midfield. Spencer Jordan moved up front to replace Phil Shaw, and Declan Pinder replaced James Brookes who had a good game in an unfamiliar role on the right-wing.
With two minutes to go, the decision paid off. A long ball from midfield found Spencer Jordan on the right. He beat his man superbly and sent in a hard, low cross from the by-line which Ollie Slater lashed in from close range.
It was a bit harsh on Todmorden who put up a great fight. Celtic will have to play much better in next week’s top-of-the-table clash with Brierfield Celtic.
Man-of-the-Match was Ben Gorman
