More silverware for Delting

County Shield final

Celtic 1, Delting 2

CELTIC and Delting served up an entertaining game last Saturday afternoon at Gilbertson Park.

Delting had the first chance when Alan Duncan found Peter Peterson but his shot was held by Paul Grant in the Celtic goal. Celtic replied and Joe Leask broke down the left but his cross was easily gathered by Delting keeper Craig Dinwoodie.

Leighton Flaws was released down the Delting right and as he came inside he found Brydon Mouat who saw his shot turned around the post for a corner. Merv Jamieson headed the corner straight at the Celtic goalkeeper and the danger was cleared. Celtic were not out of it and a long free kick was mishandled by Dinwoodie but luckily for him Kevin Main was on hand to clear.

Delting took the lead with a flowing move, with Alan Duncan picking up a pass in the middle of the Celtic half and finding Ross Jamieson on the edge of the penalty area. He played in Stuart Lavender who smacked the ball high past Paul Grant. Delting could have been two up before half time but Peter Peterson mishit a superb Alan Duncan pass straight to the keeper.

Celtic began to look more dangerous as half time approached, mainly through Ross Moncrieff who was finding space down the right. He pulled a shot just wide of the goal before he went to the byline and squeezed in a cross which was met by Dominic Mann at the near post to level the scores.

Celtic had the first chance of the second half when Moncrieff found Mann and Dinwoodie did well to hold the big centre forward’s deflected shot.

Delting then increased the pressure, forcing a series of corners which came to nothing. Their next move down the left saw a cross from Peterson find Stuart Lavender and he played a perfect pass back to Jamieson who struck a beauty into the far corner.

Celtic brought on Ryan Grant and Jordan Webb in an attempt to freshen the side and Sam Wood had a good run down the right but Grant’s shot was wide of the mark.

Delting were mainly in control and Paul Grant did well to block a shot from Peterson. However, they were not able to find the third killer goal and in the last 15 minutes Celtic were encouraged. Young Robert Smith had a great run down the left and could have won a penalty as he was clipped in the area but credit to him for staying on his feet although his cross came to nothing.

Delting brought on Shaun Johnson for Lavender and the youngster had two chances to seal the game but his inexperience showed as the Celtic defence managed to close him down on both occasions.

The nearest Delting came to a third goal was a long free kick from Alan Duncan which bounced over the bar.

In the dying minutes Smith produced another run down the right and his cross shot was turned away by Dinwoodie. As Ryan Grant crossed the ball back in the big keeper took the cross comfortably.

The final action of the game saw Peterson break down the left into the penalty area where he went down in a half-hearted attempt to win a penalty. Referee Michael Grant, who had a good game, was having none of it and waved play on. A minute later he blew the final whistle and Delting – who are also on course for a seventh successive league title – retained the County Shield.

Best for Celtic on the day were Moncrieff and young Smith while for Delting Alan Duncan stood out, ably assisted by Jamieson in midfield.