(in Amsterdam)
RWD Molenbeek (1) 2
Stalybridge Celtic (0) 0
So Stalybridge Celtic’s brave and oft-thrilling attempt to become unlikely champions of Europe fell at the final hurdle, another spirited performance not without skill and style ultimately proving insufficient to better the Belgians RWD Molenbeek, undisputedly one of the continent’s finest teams of recent years and this season in particular, although, to qualify that statement, they have only come a close second to KRC Genk in their domestic league which suggests that the Hasselt club might well be another force to be reckoned with in next term’s Champions’ Cup.
RWDM set the pace and controlled an intriguing game almost throughout, scoring twice, once in each half, whilst always hinting that, had they been required to, had their composure momentarily slipped, had their coolly impenetrable defence unexpectedly erred and allowed Stalybridge a rare opportunity, they possessed more than enough to sleekly move up through the gears and score again, and again, as might be required. Celtic can be proud of their efforts to match Molenbeek, physically, technically and tactically, and have no regrets at the outcome other than being beaten by a more accomplished team even though this defeat means another runners-up medal to accompany their second-pace finish in the domestic league, narrowly missing out on retaining their title - a season of ‘almosts’ for Stalybridge and, unfortunately, no opportunity to continue their European adventures next year as Marine will represent the Football Alliance in the Champions’ Cup and Celtic’s neighbours Red Star Mossley will do likewise in the Cup-Winners’ Cup.
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