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Following some wonderful weather over the past two weeks we were reminded of Autumn with some torrential rain falling on Friday that normally would put the playability of some games in jeopardy. Thankfully the weather had abated by Saturday morning and the quality of the Leixlip pitches always meant this game would be played. The Celts had played well during our Indian summer but the real question on everyones lips was were the Celts a sunshine team or were they the real deal? This would be a tough test as given Celtic had beaten Leixlip in a pre-season friendly and the Boys knew the home team would be up for the game.
Celtic started well and Kian Ryan in particular was pressing up front all the time and indeed could have had two goals in the first ten minutes. It was clear that Leixlip were willing to concede possession with the game plan to release their lightning fast strike force on the break. The Celts quickly became aware that they would have a tough day when Leixlip’s striker broke through only to be denied by the fast thinking and fast acting keeping of Thomas Bowe, who thankfully showed he was getting back to the form that has made him one of the best keepers in the league. Mid way through the half Celtic went in front. Ciaran Collins released “Kiano” who ran diagonally across the box before placing the ball beyond the keeper. 0-1. Indeed Kiano could have had a hat trick in the first half as he and Antonio Neto always had the Leixlip defence back peddling. HT: 0-1
The second half began similar to the first Celtic on top but not converting their dominance into goals as two chances went a begging from Kiano and Alex Doyle, who had made a fine run. As the game entered the last quarter Celtic gave away a soft penalty. A missed header on the half way allowed the Leixlip No 9 get the ball and he went on a mazy run past 3 defenders before being taken down inside the box. Fortune was on Celtic’s side as the spot kick hit the underside of the bar with the Referee indicating the ball had not crossed the line. A missed opportunity but the Leixlip boys were fired up and Celtic were reeling a bit. Tough tackles came in from Mc Donagh, Flynn, Elliot, Enache and Hughes to stabilise matters with Leigh Reilly and Ryan providing the release up front. Having steadied the ship Celtic regained their composure and only some fine goalkeeping and defending denied them a second with Ryan, Reilly and Hughes all coming close. FT: 0-1
A narrow win against a spirited Leixlip Utd. It wasn’t a vintage performance but the work rate and commitment meant it was enough. More battles lie ahead and after last weeks heroics Celtic can add character to their credentials. And the answer to the question - these Celts are more than Sunshine Boys.
