February 17, 2011
By Staff Reporter
It was a double celebration for the Celts, whose second unit won 1-0 to scoop the Reserve title with a 12-2-2 [38] record.
Earlier at Randalls Island, Shamrock were handed the CSL’s Metro Div. One title on a silver platter after police side New York’s Finest forfeited. The Rocks won promotion to Division Two.
CELTIC PRIDE
Celtic’S first team narrowly missed out on promotion last year and in 2007 after finishing third in Division Two. But they made no mistakes this time. The emphatic win over Kandia upped their points tally to 31, which guarantees them second place on the final standings.
Stuart Evans scored twice [20th, 30th], Michael Thomas once [42nd], Rasool Alizadeh notched the third on the hour and Des Carney sealed the rout five minutes from time.
“I have to admit we bounced back from last week’s defeat against Clarkstown [3-1] and played some nice football,” said coach Woodcock. “Credit to the boys, they worked well.”
“We have been knocking on the door in third place the last two years, but now we have got there,” he added.
The team improved to 10-5-1 [31].
ALEX WINNER
In the curtain-raiser, Alex Avellehjo scored in the 80th minute to nick that vital win for the Celtic reserves.
“I am very pleased and proud of the lads. They worked hard all year and reaped their just rewards,” Woodcock lauded his seconds.
The Bray native, meanwhile, is stepping down as player-coach after six seasons in charge. Freddie Etsiakoh will take over as first team boss while James Flynn will take charge of the reserves.
“I took over as player-coach [when] we where playing in the Metro One Division, we won that and got promoted to Division Two,” Woodcock said.
“This is the second time we won the reserve league and getting promoted to the First Division has the lads buzzing,” he added. “I will head upstairs and stay on as chairman of the club, and help make it a smooth transition for the two new player coaches, Freddie and James.”