Byrne goal leads Celtic to victory

30 May 1994

Aberdeen 0, Celtic 1

CELTIC'S Paul Byrne gave his side their win over Aberdeen in the final of the Hamilton Cup in Canada yesterday.

His goal came after 13 minutes, with four Celtic players eager to pounce.

Byrne was first, and his 20-yard volley left Aberdeen's John Burridge with no chance.

The game, played in front of a disappointing crowd of about 6000, was an entertaining battle between two seriously depleted premier division clubs.

In fact the number of first team players on the park could virtually be counted on one hand as both sides played an attacking style adjusted for the artificial turf.

Aberdeen had many chances but none better than after 44 minutes when Andrew Roddie, who had been injured just a few minutes earlier, unleashed a shot from 20 yards.

The ball deflected off Celtic's Mark McNally and hit a post.

0

Gary Gillespie who has been transfer-listed, played a solid game, anchoring Celtic's young defence.

Attendance -- or lack of it -- has been the topic of conversation as much as the make-up of the teams.

The event's future is in doubt.

Despite that, both Scottish sides are already looking ahead to next year's event -- if it takes place.

And, substantial changes are in order for most of which is the possible inclusion of both English and Italian teams.

Celtic by virtue of their victory today are assured of an invitation.

Ironically the most notable Canadian contribution to the tournament has not come from someone in the uniform of Montreal Impact but rather in the red of Aberdeen.

Rick Titus who has played seven years with Toronto Italia of the semi-professional Canadian professional league was given a two-game trial at left back with Aberdeen.

The management has been impressed by his performance both today and in the game last Wednesday against Montreal.

The prospect of playing in the Scottish premier division is an exciting one for the 25-year-old.

Taken from the Herald