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Celtic came head to head with Rush Athletic in Porterstown Park in the 1st round of the Moore Cup. Both had comfortable wins in their respective league games recently, while their encounter before Christmas ended in a draw. The sides are neck and neck in the Leinster Senior League Division 3 Sunday in mid-season, all suggesting a close contest in this Cup game.
It was Celtic who hit the front first when Brian Whelan’s free kick hit the back of the net after 5 minutes. The lead was short lived when the ball ricocheted into the path of Robert Stones and he was able to lob the Celtic keeper, Alex Bradean, bringing the sides level though quite fortunate. The rest of the half saw both sides have their chances, though Rush were slicker with their passing and therefore looked the more threatening. The visitors almost went in front but Alex Bradean was equal to the challenge. It was Celtic who went very close approaching half time when Mikey Aherne sped forward along the left wing before shooting past the Rush keeper, Nicky Whelan, but the ball drifted just wide. The Celtic striker, who for long spells was his team’s only front man, had another shot well saved by keeper Whelan. There was also a great chance for the home side when Abidemi Dare won the ball on the right, raced forward and whipped in a brilliant cross that unfortunately zipped out of the reach of the Celtic strikers.
The second half saw more of the same with Rush again looking the better side, and they got their reward when Conor McGuire delivered a glorious pass inside the defender for Jimmy Bermingham who thumped a splendid shot into the roof of the net inside the near post giving keeper Alex no chance.
Celtic did go close in the final quarter when Abidemi Dare raced in on goal on the right hand side but Whelan in goal was again on top as he made an excellent stop. Rush looked like they would make it 3-1 with 10 minutes remaining, but they were only denied by a fantastic sliding tackle intervention that prevented the ball going over the line. Rush did break forward soon after when the ball was swept wide to Dean Farrell and he delivered a marvellous cross that was met beautifully by Alex Neary who headed home from close range. Rush duly booked their place in the second round while Celtic have to concentrate on the league.
Finally a reminder that Celtic’s Children’s academy for 4-7 year old Boys & Girls starts back on Saturday 10th February at 10am in Porterstown Park. New members especially welcome.
