::: Gorey Celtic FC

Sunday 20th September 2009
St Cormacs 0 - 1 Gorey Celtic C

Celtics fourth league game of the season saw the Celts venture into Sean Foran Park territory on an blazing Sunday morning, the match kicking off at 11pm on the Boolavogue pitch. The Celtic line-up yet again saw some major changes with six players displaced due to suspension and retirement while most moved up along the ranks to the higher divisions. The panel was however strengthened with the addition of three new faces who hoped to make a case for their permanent inclusion in the side.

The first half was a story of missed chances , the Celtic men carved out numerous chances but failed to convert on each occasion. The first half ended goalless despite numerous attempts to breach the Cormac’s defense. The best of the Celtic chances fell to Darren O‘Mahony who had a hat-trick of near misses.
The first occurred after four minutes following a beautiful ball over the top from the Celtic dynamo Paddy Callery, Darren cushioning ball well only to narrowly miss the right post with a searing effort. The next fell on the 18th minute following some great passing interplay down the right wing , with the ever-surging Mark Walsh this time supplying the ammunition only for Darren to drive an curling angular effort just wide of the goalmouth. The third came after 31mins when Darren almost nodded home to open the Celtic account. The 37th minute saw Celtics first change with tenacious Scot Barry Glencross introduced to the left side of midfield.

H.T.: 0-0

The half-time talk by john Murphy sought to quell a growing sense of frustration at not being able to convert the numerous chances created. John urged patience and pointed out the quality and quantity of chances created, augured well for the second period. Johns faith was duly rewarded when new recruit Sean"Pork Chops" Feeney was introduced ten minutes into the second half in place of a tiring Clyde Phayers .(Congrats to Clyde who was possibly feeling the after-effects of a commendable charity cycle to Arklow and back the previous day). It didn’t take long for impact sub Sean to release the near-miss frustration of the team when four minutes later, the statuesque Sean sent a looping, side header to the top left corner following an accurate corner from Robbie Bent.
The 19th minute of the second half saw the introduction of new Polish recruit Damien Mordalski to the centre of midfield for the injured Mark Walsh. The next Celtic chance arrived following a mazy run down the left side of midfield by Barry Glencross who dispatched across the box, with Sean failing to take advantage of a near empty goal. He soon threatened again when he sent in a delightful cross-field ball only for the keeper to tip over the bar. The 32nd minute saw Celtic come close when Damien headed a Tom Croft’s free kick into the keepers hands.
Cormacs with nothing to lose rallied, coming close with a free kick turned over the bar by Shay Redmond in the Celtic goal. Shay having saved the day with a fine parrying save to the right hand side following an earlier Cormac’s effort. The resolute Celtic defence held strong to provide a much deserved away victory and add another three points to the current tally.

The Celtic team showed a strong mentality throughout the game. Given the lack of an opening early breakthrough despite a persistent effort, they kept their belief and when the breakthrough finally came displayed a determined effort to defend what they had worked so hard for.

Best in the opening half were Robbie Bent and Mark Walsh with Connor Lynch showing well in the second. Good solid performances throughout were given by Pa Murphy , Paddy Callery and Tom Crofts.

Team: Shay Redmond, Robbie Bent, Tom Crofts, Pa Murphy, Conor Lynch, Mark Walsh, Paddy Callery ,Cathair Hogan, Mick Hassett, Darren O'Mahony, Clyde Phayres.

Subs: Barry Glencross for Hassett (40 mins), Sean Feeney for Phayres (55 mins), Damien Mordalski for Walsh (65 mins inj), KRISTOV SWINTON.