Celtic put up a strong second half performance. They could have snatched a draw against a strong Salford side, but ultimately, former Celtic loan players combined to give Salford the win.
Two minutes in, and the familiar face of Marcus Dackers opened Celtic up with an inch perfect pass into the path of Salford’s winger. One-on-one with Elliot Wynne the winger toe poked it past him after outpacing everyone. It took superb reading of the game from Jono Hunt to deny another familiar face, this time DJ Pedro. A knock and run from Pedro left him with only Wynne to beat, but Hunt had read the play well, getting back to block the shot at the expense of a corner.Celtic threw bodies in front of half a dozen shots to keep Salford at bay before Aaron Dwyer eventually cleared. Salford did go further ahead after twenty minutes. Alfie Henderson (another player who’s worn a Celtic shirt) shrugged off attention to free Pedro, who one-on-one beat Wynne.
As the half wore on, Celtic got more into the game. Both Charlie Doyle and Aaron Dwyer tested the Salford keeper. Despite placement from Doyle and power from Dwyer, Celtic looked to be heading to the break two down.
Until a Salford defender flicked on Doyle’s low ball, playing in a Celtic Trialist. He made no mistake, pulling one back right before the interval. The second half, Salford came quickly. Pedro forced an excellent save from Wynne, close range, tapping in a low cross but after that, Celtic looked the better team, and created chances. Max Harrop’s rocket from outside the box needed a deflection to keep it out, and Salford had to be on their defensive A-game to take the win at the whistle.There are a lot of positives to take from the game into the season opener away at Hanley Town.
Celtic line up from: Elliot Wynne, Brandon Newell, Jono Hunt, James Dwyer, Aaron Dwyer, Charlie Doyle, Max Harrop, Jordan Burton, John Pritchard, Ethan Padden, Jamal Crawford, Jake Kenny and six trialists.
