The under 17A’s continued their unbeaten start to the season with a non-swashbuckling, but

solid performance in excellent conditions at Albert College Park. Due to injuries sustained in

last week’s win over Rivermount Boys coupled with illness, it was necessary to shuffle the

deck and play a number of players out of position.

The game started with Celtic in control. However within the first 20 minutes, they wasted

several good scoring chances, could this be one of those days? Thankfully not, on 30

minutes, Ciaran Buggy playing in an unfamiliar role, chipped the keeper from the edge of

the penalty area. Celtic now needed to settle and capitalise on their midfield dominance and

possession where Matthew Mullen, Buggy, Conor Brennan and first half substitute David

McCabe were controlling play. However, just before half time, Drumcondra were awarded a

penalty which they converted leaving the game level at half time.

The second half continued as the first half finished, with Celtic dominating midfield and at

all times in control at the back. Despite all the possession, it took almost 30 minutes before

Celtic got the all-important second goal. An inch perfect pass from Cory Power saw Conor

Brennan rifle an unstoppable shot past the opposition goalkeeper. At this point the game

took on a pattern that Celtic were hoping for. Cian Kelly added a third goal before Ciaran

Buggy round off an excellent performance with his second and Celtics fourth.

Overall a solid performance on a day when some may have expected the floodgates to open.