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Mount Merrion run riot against off colour Celtic”
On a beautiful sunny morning Celtic welcomed Mount Merrion FC to Porterstown and if the last fixture between these two teams had anything to go by, we could expect goals,goals,goals. The early exchanges were even but it was Celtic who had carved out the better chances with Ryan Mc Gregor, Conor Simmonds and Esse Okirikpo all having shots well saved with their best effort coming shortly after when “Maccer” played a delightful ball to Esse whose shot edged just wide. As the half wore on it was Merrion playing the better football who held the upper hand. The Southside lads passed the ball with purpose and when not in possession closed down Celtic every time. The Celtic team looked flat, slow to react and slow to close down and it was they who were happy to reach halftime level thanks mainly to the efforts of defensive duo Ryan Sherlock and Denys Yaskersky. HT: 0-0.
At half time the Coach demanded his players up their game and show the quality we see week in week out. Again the early exchanges were even and one wondered if Celtic had woken up but shortly after disaster struck when Celtic allowed the rangy Merrion midfielder waltz through unchallenged to finish from the tightest of angles. James Brown led ably by Ben Forde battled hard in midfield but again just as Celtic thought they had weathered the storm they conceded albeit there was a strong suspicion of offside. Minutes later it was 0-3. Celtic to their credit continued to battle and Abdullah pulled a goal back 1-3 and still 13 minutes to play. Celtic never stopped trying but they just seemed to be out of sorts as their play was all hustle and bustle but no guile or quality. With three minutes left Merrion made it 1-4 with a great goal. A lovely interchange of play was finished with a wonderful strike from 15 yards out. If that finish was good it was bettered with a left foot top corner finish with the last kick of the game. FT: 1-5
All we can say is well done Mount Merrion a magnificent performance from defence to attack and a thoroughly deserved victory. Celtic just were not at the races today. There were signs. A few players looked like they had had late nights and across the team there just seemed to be lead in their feat. But perhaps we should be giving Merrion the credit here they never let Celtic settle and this set their platform for a great victory. For Celtic it’s a case of learn, dust yourselves off and come back again. As they say form is temporary but class is permanent and we have no doubt that our Heroes will rise once again.
