Hello, heres a copy of the match report between Kendal Celtic and Coniston Last Saturday. This was sent to me by Kendal Celtic which i am very grateful for.

Kendal Celtic lost 2-1 to Coniston and the match as the Benevolant Trophy quarter Finals, and the match was played at Conistons ground.

Benevolent Trophy
Quarter Final

23/02/2008

Kendal Celtic 1 Coniston 2 AET
(Played at Coniston)

1. Wicks
2. Ashburn
3. Simpson
4. Butcher
5. Martindale
6. Cotton
7. Milburn
8. Collins
9. Baldwin
10. Ganley
11. Brewer
12. Holding
14.Dickinson
15.Wilson

Celtic surrendered home advantage due to the state of the pitches in Kendal, but travelled to Coniston confident of getting a result after knocking out high flying Lunesdale in the previous round.
The Coniston pitch was in perfect condition and suited Celtics passing style
O’Callaghan is suspended Baldwin takes the centre forwards shirt. Parkin is not available , with Wicks takes over in goal. Celtic are also forced to make changes due to Downey and Baker being injured.

Celtic start strong and are encamped in the Coniston half. After five minutes Celtic have their first meaningful attack. Ashburn plays a slide rule pass to Milburn, but unfortunately Milburn’s cross is too close to Walker in the Coniston goal and the keeper gathers safely.

From a free-kick just inside the Coniston half, Cotton floats in a clever ball to find Baldwin, but Baldwin heads wide. The resulting goal-kick by Walker is poor and Baldwin is quick to pounce. Baldwin crosses the ball in but this time it is brewer that heads wide of the goal.

Twenty-five minutes gone and Celtic finally make the break through with a wonderful goal. Celtic string a number of passes together, spreading the ball across the field. Cotton plays a deft ball into the path of Brewer who coolly chips the ball over the on-coming Walker. 1-0.

Celtic remain dominant and play good football but fail to put any pressure on the Coniston goal. More worryingly Brewer takes a nasty knock.

Half-time Kendal Celtic 1 Coniston 0
The second half begins and Coniston come out with far more purpose, but Celtic remain a strong unit.

Celtic make a change when Brewer cannot continue and he is replaced by Wilson.

Coniston make a tactical change and push Blair upfront from his central midfield role. The move pays immediate dividends when he picks the ball up over twenty-five yards out, he takes a pop shot and somehow the ball goes under the diving Wicks. 1-1.

Not deterred Celtic push forward and are awarded a penalty. In the absence of Brewer, Baldwin steps up to take the penalty. Baldwin places the ball to the left of Walker but the kick is poor and Walker gathers the ball with ease.

Both teams push on for the winner but neither team can make the breakthrough.

Full-time Kendal Celtic 1 Coniston 1
And extra time required.

Coniston take advantage of a Celtic mix up and Edmondson runs clear to put the ball past Wicks to make it 2-1 to Coniston.

The game is then marred by an altercation
between Baldwin and Cooper. Referee Lishman has no option but to show the red card to both players.

Celtic pile the pressure on Coniston, going to a back three and pushing everyone else forward, but time runs out and Coniston are victorious and go through to the semi-finals.

Yet again Celtic were the better team, but lose out because of individual errors. Celtics commitment cannot be faulted and some wonderful football was played. Baldwin looked at home upfront and caused the Coniston defence no end of problems. Ashburn at right back found plenty of time on the ball and started a number of Celtic attacks. Martindale had undoubtedly his best game of the season and was a rock in the centre of defence. Ganley started in the centre of midfield for the first time this season, working tirelessly and had a great game. Cotton again looked the part in his holding midfield role and controlled the game.