Results: Firsts 5/9/10 vs Manhattan Celtic (H)

Barnstonworth Rovers 2 Manhattan Celtic 0

Alan's first goal for the club, and Sam's first since his return from injury ensured the team's 2nd D1 playoff appearance in 3 seasons. But coupled with the league's decision to deduct 3 points from the Greek Americans and their draw at Landsdowne, it propelled the Rovers to the top of the division standings. A win next Sunday at home versus the Kickers will give the Rovers its first senior title in the club's history. The Rovers could have taken the points on paper before even a ball was kicked as the Celtic failed to produce player passes until well after the league stipulated time allowance, but the Rovers decided not to claim the match on paper, but rather to win it on the pitch.
And they proceeded to do just that from the 1st minute. The same combination but in reverse that produced the winner vs Polonia last weekend from a short corner, almost gave the Rovers the lead in the first minutes. But Waddell's superb hit was well parried by the Celtic's keeper onto the bottom of the crossbar and cleared to safety. It just prolonged the inevitable given the marked difference in the quality of the sides. 10 minutes in, a cross from the right into the Celtic box, fell to Alan who seemed as surprised as anyone. He collected and blasted it to the roof of the net. Rovers 1-0.
Jordi, Andy and Ajene then went 3-2 with Jordi getting the ball insdie the box. His finish was saved for a corner. Only once did Celtic threaten. An effort in the box after their speedy track runner striker beat Vidi for pace. Ben safely saved.
The Rovers moved on in the beginning of the 2nd half to secure the points. Pugli missed one after turning inside the penalty marker, his strike right on the keeper. But when Scottie, Colin combined to find Sammy inside the area, his goal-bound volley was merely deflected to the side netting to settle the affair. Rovers 2-0.
There could have been several more to follow as relegation threatened Celtic endeavored to chase the game. The referee gallantly apologized to Pugli after the game for not awarding him an obvious penalty. The one time they broke through Ben cleverly delayed his plonge as the ball came across the six and smothered the close range attempt, to record a record 8th clean Rovers clean sheet of the season.
Now on to relegating Kickers and winning the 1st Division West !