Champions League: Cliftonville 0 - 3 Celtic

It was billed as the biggest game in Cliftonville Football Club’s history,  but dreams of a giant-killing did not come true in North Belfast as an under strength Celtic side secured a 3-0 win in the first leg of the Champions League second qualifying round.

Drenched in the sun, Solitude looked near unrecognisable with the newly constructed temporary seating, as 5,000 supporters enjoyed a carnival style atmosphere before kick-off.

After the capacity crowd witnessed a double huddle, an eager looking Cliftonville started the game with much optimism as they attacked from the off, demonstrating their initial intention not to become star-struck and gain something from the first leg.

Within the first 20 minutes of action, the clash took on an exciting end to end approach with both sides having clear chances on goal. Kris Commons rattled the bar with his effort on two minutes for Celtic while Joe Gormley also came close with his effort from a Cliftonville counter attack, showing that the Reds were not looking too far out of their depth, despite being considerable underdogs.

Much emphasis had been put on the encounter acting as a shop window for Cliftonville’s Liam Boyce – who has attracted the interest from English clubs – and it was not long before the ex-Werder Brehmen striker illustrated his presence.

When presented with the ball, Boyce looked confident and dangerous as the Reds proceeded to pass the ball elegantly on the artificial pitch and looked threatening on the break with their ability to get the ball forward quickly.

Despite Cliftonville’s valiant attacks, the pace of Celtic’s stars looked daunting as they hit them on the counter attack. While Commons missed a golden opportunity, it was Mikel Lustig who broke the deadlock with his header from a corner, putting the Glasgow side 1-0 up.

Despite Cliftonville pressing for an equaliser, Celtic doubled their lead from another lethal counter attack only five minutes after the first. While another chance from Boyce was saved by Fraser Forster, Celtic were able to get the ball forward quickly to Georgios Samaras who smashed his effort into the top corner with his left foot.

With their lead now doubled, the Parkhead club looked in control of the tie as Cliftonville took on a more subdued approach.  Kris Commons struck the woodwork 5 minutes before half-time as the Belfast club began to look shell-shocked going into the break.

However, the hearts of Tommy Breslin’s men were not yet sunk as they entered the second half with a much more spirited vibe. The Reds responded well to a difficult end to the first half as Stephen Garrett went close with his chance on 47 minutes.

While the size of the occasion may have looked to have got to some of the Cliftonville players, the same cannot be said for Liam Boyce. Unfazed by the big stage, Boyce showed tremendous strength and composure to win the ball off Hoops skipper, Scott Brown, and gifted striking partner Gormley with a golden opportunity.

Gormley – who netted 30 goals for the Reds last season – could not illustrate the same degree of confidence as his striking partner as Cliftonville’s best chance of the game went begging.

As the second half unfolded, it was evident to see the sheer difference of fitness levels between the part-timers and seasoned professionals as the North Belfast club gradually became more subdued.

While Tommy Breslin’s men tried desperately to contain the waves of Celtic attacks within the last 20 minutes, they conceded a third goal as James Forrest fired past Conor Devlin, effectively sealing the tie before going into the return leg in Glasgow.

Regardless of the result, Ireland’s oldest club certainly proved themselves to be worthy ambassadors of the Danske Bank Premiership, rubbishing the ‘hoof-ball’ stereotype of the league with their fluid passing.

It was a valiant effort from an outfit of semi professionals – some of whom were working in their regular jobs the morning before the game – to stand the test against proven International footballers, and the Reds can certainly come away with their heads held high.

Cliftonville will travel to Parkhead to meet Celtic for the return leg of the Champions League tie on Tuesday 23^rd July.

Cliftonville: Devlin, McGovern, Scannell, Johnston, Caldwell, McMullan (C), Garrett, Smyth, Catney, Gormley, Boyce.

Subs: Brown, Donnelly, McNeil, O’Carroll, Curran, Cosgrove, Seydak

Celtic:  Foster, Izaguirre, Ambrose, Wilson, Brown (c), Samaras, Stokes, Commons, Lustig, Kayal, Forrest.
Subs:  Zaluska, Balde, Rogic, Irvine, McGeough, Watt, Waters.

Referee: Sergii Boiko (Ukraine)
Attendance: 5,000