::: Gorey Celtic FC

Sunday 9th October 2011
Bridge Rovers 2 - 0 Gorey Celtic

Writing this report 24 hours after the game, I am still at a loss to explain how we did not get at least a point from this fixture.

We travelled to Castlebridge, without a recognised goalkeeper, Big Jack being suspended for two games due to his previous weeks red card, the replacement from the 2nd team not bothering to show up or send a message, leaving the management having to ask young Kenneth Byrne to do the honours between the sticks.
As I've come to expect, not a problem to young Ken, who seems to do everything with a smile on his face. A real "Clubman".

With other lads having family engagements and work commitments our panel was again pushed to the limits. Young Jordan Davis and Shane Troope coming into the panel at the 11th hour. These guys have been selected for Mick Wallaces Wexford League Under 18 squad, lucky for us, Wallace had no training for the youths on Sunday Morning.

We started with a tried and trusted 4-4-2 formation, and from the 1st whistle went on the offensive. With Terry Carey and Matty Kavanagh creating havoc in the wide positions we went onto dominate the opening periods. David O Brien and Wes Fitzpatrick were causing plenty of problems up front, with Bridge happy to lump the ball forward more in hope than anything else.

H.T. 0-0

We were in total control, we looked assured on the ball, and most importantly creating chances. Our back 4 were solid, midfield creative and hardworking, it seemed only a matter of time before we would break the deadlock.

The 2nd half again saw us on the offensive, a Terry Carey strike from 12 yards out on 60 minutes being the closest we came to taking the lead.

The concession of a needless corner in the 70th minute saw Bridge open the scoring. An inswinging corner was punched clear by Ken, his clearance was returned into the six yard box, where a number of Bridge players looked to be in an offside position, again Ken punched clear, but it fell invitingly to a Bridge forward who slammed a volley home from 15 yards. A stunning strike.
Celtic refused to lie down, and again went forward in search of an equaliser, we forced a number of corners and free kicks, but to no avail.
On 90+3 Bridge increased their advantage, a glancing headed effort from 10 yards from a free kick sealing Celtics fate.

Football is a cruel game, we dont have the stats that you see on Sky Sports, but in terms of chances created and pocession we were dominant.
In terms of our application and effort we were faultless, I could not have asked from anymore from the players on show.
We have to put away the chances we create.

Team: Ken Byrne, Paul Timmins, Sean Feeney, Eamonn Doyle, Dave Gahan, Terry Carey, Craig Connor, Danny Reilly, Matt Kavanagh, Wes Fitzpatrick, David O'Brien.

Subs: Shane Troope for Kavanagh (60 mins), Jordan Davies, John Kavanagh