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It only seems like yesterday that the season ended but here we are with a new season upon us and with it the excitement of new opponents, new challenges (brought about by last seasons promotion) and the chance to make dreams come true. This is a big year for the U13’s as they embark on a new adventure playing 11 a side on a full sized pitch.
The opening day of the season saw the Celts journey to Celbridge to play Ballyouster United who based on last seasons exploits represent one of the major teams in the league.
On a wonderful pitch it was Celtic who settled quickest with Kian Ryan looking sharp up front with an early chance that saw his pace beat the offside trap but his well struck shot was parried away by the alert Ballyouster stopper. Mark Hughes playing in a holding midfield role was spreading the ball wide early feeding Antonio Neto and Ciaran Collins whose pace had the Ballyouster defence run ragged. Indeed Collins was seeing a lot of the ball thanks to good link play from Alex San Emeterio.
A goal was inevitable but what a shock it was. A long ball from Ballyouster bounced awkwardly and was missed by the Celtic defender giving the striker a simple finish. 1 -0. Undaunted Celtic fought back and deservedly scored when a well taken Neto free kick was bound for goal before the inform Reilly got his hair(!!!) to the ball to score. 1-1. Minutes later and with half time approaching Ballyouster, with only their second attack, walked through the Celtic defence unchallenged to put the home side 2-1 in front. HT: 2-1.
At half time Andrei Enache replaced the hard working Aaron Rice but it was Ballyouster who started the brighter. With confidence from their two goals it was they who passed and moved better. Celtic had to dig deep to work their way back into the game. Slowly but surely Celtic regained the upper hand however despite creating chances the game remained a tensewear. It was therefore a relief when Celtic got the equaliser with 15 minutes to go thanks to Neto whose low hard drive from the right saw the Ballyouster keeper get his hand to it but could not keep it out such was the power of the shot. 2-2.
Celtic went searching for a winner but Ballyouster still looked dangerous on the break none more so when their striker forced a fine save from Celtic keeper Tomas Bowe. With 7 minutes left Celtic edged in front when , New Boy, Alex Doyle kept his nerve with a well struck shot from the edge of the box into the roof of the net. Celtic finally wrapped up the points with 2 minutes left. From a Ballyouster kick out Collins and Hughes pressurised a mistake that saw the ball fall to Dylan Mc Donagh whose high cross was met by the head of opportunistic Doyle who looped the ball over the keeper and into the net. FT: 2-4.
The final whistle was met with a mixture of elation and relief. Celtic knew that while they had shown glimpses of their best form that they were far from the finished article. More work will be needed if they are to challenge this season but one thing that cannot be questioned is the commitment and will to improve. More battles lie ahead but three points in your first game is not a bad start. A special mention for Ballyouster for working their way back into the game and at 2-1 up may have stolen the points had they got a crucial third.
