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After a 6 week layoff, the U17A’s were back in action, complete with new gear from team sponsor, Dolmen Construction. This most unusual venue, in the shadows of St Ita’s Psychiatric Hospital, Portrane brought back memories of the corresponding fixture last season which ended in controversy when the match official abandoned the game due to sustained verbal abuse from the home side line.
The game started badly for Celtic who conceded a goal to the home side within 5 minutes of the kick off. However, that was to be the home team’s only clear chance from open play for the remainder of the game. Despite an equal share of possession, Celtic couldn’t break down a strong Ita’s defence which was well marshalled by their dominant centre half. The Celtic breakthrough came after 30 minutes when Aidan Sampson picked up a loose ball on the edge of the penalty area and slipped it into corner past the Ita’s keeper. Within minutes of the restart the “local” ref awarded a very dubious penalty to the home side which they duly converted. Half time, 2-1 to the home team.
After some strong words from Coach Keith Healy at half time, Celtic took to pitch with a clear understanding of what was required of them – play football. It wasn’t until 20 minutes from the end that Celtic eventually managed to draw level. Once again Ciaran Buggy worked his magic on the left wing before cutting in and shooting to the back of the net.
Three more goals followed in the next 10 minutes, the best of which started with a 30 yard, inch perfect pass from Matthew Mullen which found Darren Doyle in the outside right position. Doyle who was causing havoc right across the Itas defensive line beat one player before crossing the ball to Cory Power who made no mistake from the edge of the penalty area. Power doubled his tally within a few minutes before Doyle rounded off an excellent performance with the fifth and final goal.
St.Itas didn’t give up and in a tactical switch moved their big centre half up front……..but Celtic had Ruairi O’Flaherty at the heart of their defence, enough said !!!!
