St Roch’s ran out 4-3 winners over the Celtic Select in an action-packed centenary match on Sunday afternoon.
A sold-out James McGrory Park witnessed their home team lining up against a Celtic side that was selected by ACSOM. The Celtic Select consisted of former Celts from the eighties, nineties and noughties, as well as music stars, famous fans, and a legendary Lisbon Lion. There was even an appearance from a VIP guest in the dugout that no-one would have expected.
John Clark lead Celtic out to ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone,‘ followed by ‘Many Faces‘ by James before the action commenced and St Roch’s got off to a flying start.
An error at the back from Rudi Vata allowed the hosts to sneak in behind and Kev McManus slotted it beyond Scott Fox to put the Candy in front.
It wouldn’t be long before the home side were two ahead as John ‘Yogi’ Hughes handled an attempted cross, and St Roch’s captain Kieran Daw took advantage of the opportunity to fire home from 12 yards and give the Roch a far more comfortable lead.
Celtic Select made a late drive in the first period to get themselves back into it, with Andy Payton and Scott McDonald both seeing efforts flash wide of the mark.
Then, just as a seemingly far-fetched rumour began to circulate around James McGrory Park that Brendan Rodgers was on his way to the stadium, a vehicle was ushered into the gate, a door slid open, and Celtic’s gaffer emerged.
Brendan meant business as he made his way to the away dressing room to deliver the half-time team-talk. As the teams came out for the second-half, a wave of applause swept across the stadium as Celtic’s manager made his way across the park and into the Celtic Select technical area.
Whatever the boss said in that dressing room, it seemed to have the desired effect, as it sparked some life and belief into the Celtic side sporting the famous ‘Shamrock Jersey’, made famous in the fifties and sixties.
The commemorative kit paid homage to James McGrory, as this was the strip worn in the great man’s final game in charge of the club in 1965. The kits all had the same numbers – 7 on the jersey and 10 on the shorts – as a tribute to two of the Lisbon Lions who signed for McGrory. Jimmy Johnstone was represented on the day by the Academy & Charitable Trust that bears his name, and the late, great Bertie Auld was a St Roch’s season ticket holder. It seemed more than fitting to pay tribute to these three Celtic greats on The Candy’s special day.
Into the second half, Vata made up for his early error by slotting home from the spot to pull the Celtic Select back into the game. An equaliser followed, as one of the younger reinforcements brought in to help out the old guard found the leveller.
That lead didn’t last long, as the Candy fired in a brilliant free-kick which found the net despite the best efforts of ACSOM’s very own Jerry Taylor, who had replaced the impressive Scott Fox in Celtic’s goal.
Celtic hoped to inject some rock ‘n’ roll football into proceedings with the introduction of Glasvegas frontman James Allan, James guitarist Saul Davies, and big Bemz, but the music stars were unable to compete with the well-drilled St Roch’s side.
The Celtic Select’s defence were caught at sixes & sevens shortly after as the Roch breached the offside trap and regained their two-goal cushion.
Scott McDonald tried to lead the second comeback effort as, after dictating things for the Celtic Select for most of the game, the Aussie striker finally got his goal, firing past the St Roch’s keeper with an impressive finish.
There wouldn’t be enough time to fashion an equaliser as the Candy were victorious on the day, with Brendan Rodgers presenting them with the trophy to the acclaim of the supporters at full-time.
It was an unforgettable day, one full of surprises that will be talked about for generations to come.
St Roch’s put on some show, and the club should be proud of this centennial celebration.
JAMES MCKENZIE // Follow James HERE
The following gallery is produced courtesy of Raymond Borland.
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