Match Report -
Battle of Thebes for the Spartans
By Keith Trudgeon

A spectacular win in the windswept north-east saw Celtic leap two places in the Unibond league table but not before they put their small contingent of travelling fans through their emotions. No more than a dozen made the trip, and those that did saw the best - and worst of Celtic.

Celtic swept into a fully deserved 16th minute lead when the injury-hit side, making light of the missing lads, strolled through the home defence and created a magnificent goal. A pass down the right found Steele in acres of space, and his cross to the far post cut out the entire cover and Steve Jones raced in to head past the stranded keeper.

Celtic then put on a super display of attacking football, but, as always, failed to kill off the opposition. They could have taken a firm grip on proceedings, but the regular first-half injury time hoodoo struck again. A corner crept through the keeper and two defenders at the near post and Ross Lumsden booted home from on the goal line.

After the break Celtic were constantly under the cosh. The goal clearly lifted Blyth and they took the fight to Celtic - in every sense. Tackles flew in thick and fast and Mark Ogley, easily Celtic's man-of-the-match, was a tower of strength at the back.

The game turned slightly in Celtic's favour when Steve Stewart, booked in the first half, was sent off for a late lunge on Steve Pickford which resulted in the Celtic man being stretchered off.

With Ogley performing heroics for Celtic, the rest of the team finally responded. Jones' shot from the edge of the area rebounded for substitute Tony Sullivan to slam home and put Celtic back in front.

Blyth then folded and Steele, racing onto a through ball by Ogley, screamed away from the half-way line and his shot flew past Terry Burke. Minutes later, another substitute Andy Mason scored a similar goal and gave the scoreline a somewhat flattering look.