Isthmian and Celtic II finished level in the Cup of Call Group Stage 4 on Tuesday night. The visitors held on for a 3:3 draw after a high-scoring encounter at home. Both sides traded blows throughout the 90 minutes, with the result settling neither team's ambitions.
O. Moffat opened the scoring for the hosts in the 16th minute, giving Isthmian an early advantage. Celtic II responded through C. Keenan, who found the net twice — once in the 27th minute and again before the break in the 41st. To be fair, the visitors showed they would not be pushed around easily.
The game opened up after the interval. O. Calder pulled one back for Isthmian in the 67th minute, restoring parity. R. Dargie restored Celtic II's lead in the 80th minute, but C. Elliott equalised deep into stoppage time at 90+3. And here's the thing — the late drama meant the points were shared fairly.
Isthmian controlled possession at 59 per cent but failed to convert their opportunities into clear-cut chances. Both sides created zero big chances despite combined attacks of 165 and shots on target totalling nine. The hosts registered four shots on target from 11 attempts, while Celtic II managed five from 11.
Isthmian's recent results showed inconsistency — wins against Alloa Athletic, Peterhead and Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic, but losses to Hamilton Academical and Ross County. Celtic II had seen a 4:3 victory over Stranraer followed by a 2:2 draw with Dumbarton. By then, neither side looked particularly reliable.
We had backed the hosts to win with 78 per cent confidence before kick-off. The prediction did not materialise. What changed things was the visitors' ability to respond after going behind, particularly Keenan's double and Elliott's late equaliser.
The draw leaves both teams in the same position within Group Stage 4. Three points each from the fixture means the standings remain unchanged at this stage. The result suggests neither side can claim dominance in the group.
