Ferryhill Celtic travelled up the A690 to East Rainton last weekend to take on the Durham & District Sunday League Division Two side in what looked on paper to be an uncomplicated quarter final tie in the Alan Smith Trophy for the Premier League side.
However, football is not played on paper and an out of sorts Celtic found themselves on the wrong end of a shock result as their lowly hosts ultimately eased their way into the semi-finals.
The hosts will have been aware that Celtic had struggled in the previous round of this competition, also against Division Two opponents, and that their visitors have developed a habit of conceding early goals.
That would again prove their achilles heel in this encounter with East Rainton catching their visitors cold to open the scoring within ten minutes.
The hosts were able to hold on to their advantage until half time.
Traditionally, Celtic are renowned for their ability to regroup at the break and overturn deficits, but on this occasion it was East Rainton who were able to take advantage of an off-form Celtic to increase their advantage. A third goal ensured East Rainton march on into the semis and claimed a notable Premier League scalp in the process.
Oliver Hotchkiss, Lee Gaunt and Jonathan Gaunt notched the decisive goals for East Rainton.
The games get no less tricky for Celtic, who host league leaders Pelton ROAB WMC, this Sunday (12th November).
Their opponents boast a perfect record, having won all eight of their league matches this season, scoring 36 goals and conceding just five.
Celtic, meanwhile sit in eighth place in the league having collected nine points from their opening nine games. Kick off at the Broom Rec is at 10.30am.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
