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Honours even as Celtic give Jeckyl & Hyde performance
Having seen their good form dramatically collapse two weeks ago against Mount Merrion Celtic bounced back with a performance of pride and passion in the SFAI Cup that Martin O’ Neill would have used to inspire his troops. Today it was back to league business as Greystones Utd made the long journey to Porterstown Park . The sides shared the spoils at the start of the season so it was two keen sides that took to the pitch to try and earn bragging rights.
Greystones started the better as they threw the form book out the window playing the kind of football you would see from Champions. Celtic were all over the place and hanging on when they themselves produced a goal of sheer quality. Ryan Sherlock cleared the ball to Ben Forde who played a pin point pass to Caitlin LaBont. Caitlin,as he did all day, split the Greystones defence open as he found Esse who did what he does best. BOOM and it was 1-0. This settled Celtic down and it was they who looked the more threatening creating chances after chance with Catalin the conductor. Chances came with the best forcing a magnificent save from the Greystones No 1. As the half time whistle beckoned Celtic went to sleep. Greystones went down the right. A teasing cross ,a deft touch and the ball was in the net. HT: 1-1
Celtic started brightly but slowly but surely Greystones came into the game and it was they who took charge. A goal came and it was no surprise but Celtic will be annoyed with themselves. A poor goal kick. Greystones reacted quickest and with a 4v2 attack the ball was in the net. 1-2 and deservedly so. Celtic were under pressure but they re-grouped with Ryan and Denys Yaskersky lifting the siege. With 15 minutes left Celtic got a break. Caitlin went down the wing past his marker and swept in a lovely cross. The Greystones defender had to attack the ball as Esse homed in but unfortunately for the Wicklow lad he deflected the ball into his own goal. 2-2 and Celtic sought to capitalise on their good fortune. “Maccer” who had again played in three positions came off after a sterling shift. The “Wing Wiz” Conor Simmonds was back on while Esse replaced the hard working Jonah Courtney. Celtic pressed. Adbullah and James both came close while Esse looked to have been fouled as he looked to pull the trigger. At the other end Greystones were creating their own chances and on two occasions shot just wide. As the Ref blew his whistle for full time it was case of honours even as both teams had given their all. FT: 2-2.
This was a great performance from the Greystones lads and they will be the happier of the two teams as Celtic looked just a shade off colour. The Boys just looked tired in terms of reacting to the breaking ball but at the same time nobody could question their commitment and effort and its that commitment and effort that makes them so special and will see them bounce back.
