Bowrain 1 - 2 EH Celtic (333040793)

Overcast weather free of rain made for a crowd turnout of 1552 at Batta Field today. Claus Hall was the appointed referee with assistance provided by Daniel Baciu and Hubert Mauch. A 5-3-2 alignment was the formation of choice for Bowrain. Lineup: Ouch - Soly, Sivorn, Nuon, Buntinas, Sin - Ouk, Řáha, Thông - Choeun, Neak.

EH Celtic tactics involved an interesting 3-4-3 combination. Starters: Ayroldi - Sáenz Galilea, Fenollosa, Karabaş - Lacalle Villalón, Stewart, Laizans, Knepper - Larios Zavala, Willson, Carulli.

Pressing was the tactic of the day for EH Celtic. 10 minutes into the game, M. Karabaş had a great chance to put his team ahead, but his kick from the left went wide. EH Celtic's ability to press all over the field frequently paid dividends. EH Celtic's talent at pressing frustrated the spectators as the game became a dire midfield struggle. O. Fenollosa's lack of experience almost gave Bowrain a goal after 33 minutes, but the shot went right into the keeper's arms. The pressing tactics used by EH Celtic were successful as the ball remained close to the half way line at all times. EH Celtic's O. Fenollosa was shown a yellow card after 35 minutes for slicing down an opponent. The teams went for the halftime break at 0 - 0. Possession in the forty-five minutes was dominated by EH Celtic, with 71 percent of the ball.

Bowrain's defence sent a ball soaring up the middle on a beautiful counterattack with 49 minutes gone, but N. Soly's finish was met by the reaching hands of the keeper. 73 minutes into the game, F. Lacalle Villalón almost gave the visitors the lead, as he clipped a delicate lob over the keeper, but the ball glanced harmlessly off the crossbar. O. Fenollosa would have preferred to play on, but his coach decided otherwise. J. Villasante entered the game for EH Celtic as the match clock showed 78 minutes. EH Celtic pressed their opponents, causing the game to be a bit of a stalemate at times. At this time in the match, EH Celtic were using their skill at pressing to successfully stifle the game. Possession in this half belonged to EH Celtic, who controlled the ball 67 percent of the time.

As neither team was able to break the deadlock before the end of regular play, the teams took to the field again for extra time. After extra time, the game was still tied and a penalty shoot-out ensued.

Bowrain's N. Soly was relaxed as he smoothly put the ball in the net. 1 - 0! EH Celtic's G. Carulli looked like he knew exactly where he wanted to put the ball, but unfortunately his shot went wide of the left hand post. Still 1 - 0. Bowrain's R. Sivorn looked nervous even as he was putting the ball on the spot. He didn't take much of a run up, and his weak shot was easily saved by the keeper. EH Celtic's H. Larios Zavala didn't look like he was confident as he stepped up, and produced a badly struck penalty - right into the arms of P. Ouch. The score remained 1 - 0. Clearly nervous from the start, Bowrain's G. Buntinas took a long run up, but could only blast the ball over the bar. The score remains 1 - 0. Oooh - how unlucky! EH Celtic's J. Villasante attempt hit the underside of the bar, but rebounded down into the grateful arms of P. Ouch. The score stays 1 - 0. Bowrain's S. Nuon didn't look like he was confident as he stepped up, and produced a badly struck penalty - right into the arms of C. Ayroldi. The score remained 1 - 0. EH Celtic's A. Stewart showed he has nerves of steel when it comes to penalties, easily changing the score to 1 - 1. Bowrain's R. Sin didn't look like he was confident as he stepped up, and produced a badly struck penalty - right into the arms of C. Ayroldi. The score remained 1 - 1. EH Celtic's F. Willson kept his cool as he faced down P. Ouch. His composure paid off as he scored easily for 1 - 2. R. Řáha performed admirably for Bowrain. However, S. Thông made a disastrous appearance. EH Celtic's best player was A. Laizans. C. Ayroldi turned in a dismal performance, however. The match ends 1 - 2.