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Confusion about the start time meant that Celtic were in Porterstown 75 minutes before kick-off for their U-17 league match against visitors Marino Boys. Perhaps as a result of the prolonged warm up, Celtic were a bit lethargic when the game eventually started.
Missing their Captain, David Hickey through injury Celtic were disorganised and gave away an early goal to the visitors. This seems to have been the wakeup call that Celtic needed and as half time drew close they were in control of the game.
At half time Celtic changed to a traditional 4 4 2 formation from their preferred 3 5 2 but despite dominating play couldn’t the equaliser. Eventually just past the half-way point, leading scorer Ciaran Buggy – following some excellent play on the left wing chipped the Marino keeper to find the back of the net.
Celtic continued to dominate and were awarded a free kick 25 metres from the Marino goal. Rather than blast the free kick, midfielder Matthew Mullen directed the ball over the Marino wall and just under the crossbar to give Celtic a well deserved lead. Just after the restart, Mullen, who was having his best game of the season took most of the Marino midfield and half their defence out of the game with an inch perfect pass to Darren Doyle who guided the ball past the advancing keeper into the back of the net to make the score 3-1 to Celtic.
This was a very satisfying squad performance for Celtic who after losses in their previous two matches now go into the mid-season break with an excellent performance and result to dwell on.
