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A brace from Davy Costello saw Celtic progress to the 2nd round of the prestigious Polikoff Cup against a visiting Newlands Castle Park side who had accounted for Cabinteely FC in the preliminary round after a penalty shoot-out. Newlands had also been scalp-taking in the FAI Junior Cup this season, so they were a team to be taken very seriously.
Davy Costello’s first was a magnificent effort when his shot from 40 yards out put his side ahead after 35 minutes. The single goal separated the sides at half time which was a wonder given the number of chances that had been spurned in the first half.
The second half saw more of the same with Celtic failing to take the chances that they created which must have numbered close on double figures. Among those who were foiled, often by the brilliant goalkeeping of Liam McGuigan, were Jamie Traynor, Keith McDarby, Davy Costello and Sylviu Aghinita. Joey Crampton, Cillian Daly and Kevin Keane were combining well in the middle, and it was a foul on Kevin in the box on 60 minutes that enabled Davy Costello to double the lead from the spot kick.
Celtic continued to make and miss chances being created on occasions by the hard-working wing backs of Keith McDarby and Shane Dunne. Richie Crowley and Dan Germaine repelled most of what Newlands could muster, and their goal was a rather fortuitous one when Nathan Killeen’s cross floated into the top corner out of the reach of the excellent reserve keeper, Alex Bradean. Brian Moriarty came on in the second half to add some steel to the resistance, but it was Keith McDarby who went closest without scoring when his header from Shane Dunne’s cross came back off the crossbar with the Newlands keeper stranded. It was a nervous final quarter for the home side with their lead so slender, but they held on and look forward to a second round tie in the coming weeks. Celtic manager, Ray Bowe, was very pleased to come through the game with a win given they were short of a number of regular first team players, but he was delighted with how the lads did tonight, digging in when it was required which is often the case when you are not taking your chances.
