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Hall’s well for Celtic

Trefor Williams
3/10/2007

A BRUISING derby ended in favour of the Blues after an absorbing battle at Bower Fold on Saturday, packed with incident from start to finish, rough and ready challenges aplenty, seven yellow cards and several players perhaps counting themselves fortunate to still be on the field at the end.

Clearly, both sets of players realised the significance of the occasion and perhaps more importantly, its outcome, which came as a most welcome relief to the bulk of the 790 crowd who had nightmarish memories of the previous derby calamity.

Hyde looked dangerous early on and Paddy Gamble produced a great save to deny Nicky Clee after only four minutes.

On 12 minutes however, the ground erupted when Chris Hall soared to head a Carlos Roca free-kick into the top corner.

Back came Hyde and Gareth Seddon shot over before Gamble saved his side once again, denying Dale Johnson.

Ashley Winn was prominent for Celtic and twice went close to extending their advantage, seeing a goalbound scorcher blocked and a 25-yard drive just wide.

Crucial to the outcome was the increasing level of control exerted by the rugged Celtic central defenders on the free-scoring Hyde strikers and their mastery grew to Hyde’s frustration during a second half dominated increasingly by the home side.

At the other end, Hall and Craig Robinson went at it hammer and tongs throughout the 90 minutes with no quarter asked or given.

The Blues’ profligacy in the second half only heightened the growing tension as Lee Ellington shot straight at Dootson from six yards and Roca fired over.

As Hyde pushed forward, they left glaring gaps at the back and Celtic’s impressive substitute Ashley Burbeary led the tiring Tigers a merry dance for the last 15 minutes, only to squander a couple of gilt-edged opportunities.

Attendance: 790