Many Reds’ fans will recall Dan Gullen’s spectacular FA Cup goal at Stalybridge two and half years ago – a thumping volley from the edge of the box - well Celtic were on the receiving end of another Dan special in Thursday’s Lancashire League clash at Borough Park.  His 35^th minute wonder goal put Reds into a 2-1 lead and, believe me, it was even better than that memorable strike at Bower Fold. 

He retrieved the ball on the left flank, cut inside, before unleashing an unstoppable shot from fully twenty-five yards leaving Celtic ’keeper, James Paul, completely helpless.

It was the highlight of a superb first half display from Steve Lee’s side who, after four consecutive defeats, produced a tonic of a performance.

Gullen was also the architect of Reds’ 20^th minute opener.  He won the ball on the halfway line then released Adam Main through the middle and he guided the ball past the advancing goalkeeper for a well taken goal.

Richard Hoban, who was to have his best game in a red shirt, almost doubled the lead with a well struck shot just clearing the bar by inches.

Celtic levelled on the half hour mark with Reds’ defending from a free- kick, needlessly conceded, woeful.

No one took the decision to attack the ball which sailed over Lee Jolly and into the net much to the embarrassment of scorer Joe Heap.

Then came Gullen’s special goal which gave Reds a deserved lead at the break.

Within four minutes of the restart, though, Celtic were back on terms.  They made good progress down the right and, with Reds unable to clear, Brad Byrne hammered home from twenty yards.

The young Borough Park team had enough chances to secure a much needed win but Hoban narrowly missed the target twice then saw a well struck free-kick saved by Paul.  In addition, Main and Andrew Bromley missed the target when it looked easier to score.

Those missed chances almost proved costly as Celtic carved out two late opportunities themselves.  Lee Jolly atoned for his first half blunder with two excellent saves – one with his feet, the other diving to his left – to thwart Fabrice Bembo Leta and Byrne respectively.

 
Reds remain at the foot of the Lancashire League but this morale boosting performance – particularly the contributions from Sam Smith, Callum Killick, Main, McCullough, Hoban and Gullen – should give them confidence over a very demanding last fortnight of the season.

Team:  Lee Jolly, Simon Bragg, Greg Mitchell (Jake Smith), Dion Barnes (Dan McDermott), Sam Smith, Lee McCullough, Andrew Bromley, Adam Main, Callum Killick (Levi Johnson), Richard Hoban, Dan Gullen.

Man of the match:  Richard Hoban