Match Report -
Late Hume header not enough to rescue a point
By Mike Brierley
Celtic succumbed to a narrow defeat in front of a bumper 1252 crowd against title contenders Kettering Town but can take comfort in the knowledge that for much of the game they matched their illustrious hosts stride for stride.

Opting to play an attacking line up, Celtic manager John Reed may only one change to the side that beat Nuneaton earlier in the week: Paul Sykes starting in place of the injured Steve Brodie.

Neither side was able to grab a stranglehold on the game in the first half and Celtic were worthy of the 0-0 score line as half time came and went.Sadly, Celtic found themselves one down at the start of the second half. Brett Solkhon curling a fantastic 20 yards effort past the stranded Paul Pettinger.

1-0 became 2-0 moments later as Zema Abbey doubled the homesters lead with a lovely header.

As Celtic battled for a way back into the game, Nathan Koo Boothe suffered a suspected broken leg as he challenged for the same ball with Mark Hume. It appears Koo Boothe may now face a lengthy time on the sidelines and best wishes are extended to him for a speedy recovery.

That man Hume offered Celtic a lifeline when he headed home from a corner to reduce the arrears but sadly they couldn't capitalise and force what would have been a well deserved draw.

Despite the defeat, the Celtic lads can be proud of their efforts and with a run of winnable games in the offing, their league position may look a lot healthier sooner rather than later.