Harrogate and District Junior league, 28.01.07 A regular feature of the season so far has been a windswept pitch. Sunday's home league tie against Wigton Moor continued this trend as Knaresborough Celtic under 12s battled on as league leaders in tough conditions. Choosing to play into the wind in the first half, Celtic lined up in their normal formation and the ''Standing room only'' crowd of 47Ìý were looking for a good match to off set the recent cup defeat to Beckwithshaw Bulls. Wigton started well. Wind behind and appetite to put one over the league leaders, they took full advantage. Five minutes into the game and a firm left foot shot skirted pastÌý the Knaresborough defence for the visitors to take the lead. Ten minutes later, Wigton pressure paid off to take it to 2 - 0.Ìý The wind seemed to get stronger and brought challenges to both teams, Celtic struggled to get through a solid Wigton defence and athletic goalkeeper. Twenty-five minutes and Wigton pounced again, sliding through the Celtic offside trap to take a 3 - 0Ìý lead. Celtic battled on, pushing forward. only to be defeated by the woodwork as Sam E hit the crossbar. Half time came and with changed ends Celtic came out charging. Cross after cross landed in the beleaguered Wigton penalty area. The pressure paid off and Tom stepped forward to fire home from a free kick.Ìý The game grew tense as Wigton held on, again the crossbar was struck but the ball stayed out. Tom stepped forward again to forceÌý in Celtic's second. As the end of the match approached Celtic coaches changed formation to put 3 in attack, Wigton by now playing 6 in defence held on - would a goal come? As the final whistle blew on a tough match for both teams the result was 3 -2 to Wigton.Ìý A good game for the crowd and one in which the conditions had played a major role. Well done boys for a good effort. Scoop Backhouse | 
