Match Report -
Frank Robinson Memorial Trophy
By Iain Benson
Celtic lost another trophy ahead of the start of the season, this time to newly promoted neighbours, Mossley. The Frank Robinson Memorial Trophy, set to become an annual match was won in the inaugural game by the home team by one goal.

Celtic started well enough, playing some good passing football, but without an out and out striker on the field in a Celtic shirt, it fell to Hume and Sykes to convert any chances, which sadly they did not.

From the off both Forde and Winn had shots charged down, and Sykes headed Black's cross, only to see it blocked, and a short time later, put Maxfield's cross over the bar. Kay playing an unaccustomed left wing role tried a thirty yard thunderous shot, but put it wide. Hume and Braces in the Mossley net tangled, but Sykes couldn't knock in the spilled ball as Bowker thumped the ball clear.

Mossley's only real shot on goal in the half came early on as Burke evaded Keeling's challenge but his shot lacked pace and was straight at Buxton.

In the second half Maxfield put in a superb ball and Hume did well to nod it back, but though Kharas stretched, he couldn't get enough on the ball to divert it into the net.

Mossley had more purpose in the second half, and stretched Celtic. A goal was by no means inevitable, but one came anyway, as Pettinger, Keeling and Hume all tangled around former Celt Kenny Mayers, the ball fell loose and Downey was on hand to roll the ball into an empty net.

Mossley's celebrations were marred when Steve Burke chased down a long ball, and couldn't stop as he approached the boundary wall, spilling over it. It looked very nasty and he was stretchered from the stands.

Celtic never tested Truman (Mossley's second half goal keeper), though Kharas came close a couple of times, forcing a great block out of the ex-Ashton keeper when he was put through one-on-one, and tried to lob him, only for Truman to have closed the gap well.

At the other end, Pettinger was tested again when Burke got behind the defence and saw his shot saved by Pettinger's legs.

All in all, Celtic are still lacking a goal-scorer and losing 1-0 was justified.