- OUR PARTNERS
“ Ballyouster put to the sword by Celtic’s cutting edge”
On a bitterly cold December morning Celtic welcomed Ballyouster to Porterstown Park and from a Celtic perspective the Boys put on a performance to warm the coldest hands. Celtic started well but struggled to breakdown a well organised Ballyouster defence. It took a penalty, taken with great coolness, by Ben Foley to break the deadlock and ease the Celtic nerves. Celtic went in search of more goals with Gerard Crawley leading the line and seeking to break at every opportunity. At the other end Ballyouster battled to get back into the game but could not breakdown the strong defence of Ryan Sherlock and Evan Mc Grath who were in top form.
Changes were made and the fresh legs proved the difference. Luke Hughes played a wide ball to the on running Gerard who used his trusty left foot to make it 2-0 and Luke himself then made it three with a typical individual goal. Moments later it was four with a Ryan Mc Gregor cross field pass releasing Gerard who duly finished in style. On the stroke of half time Daniel Moore finished well to make it five. HT: 5-0.
Celtic started the second half in the same mood and Essay Okirikpo made it six when finishing well from a Hughes pass. To their credit Ballyouster fought back and their striker finished well following a great run to narrow the deficit. This lifted Ballyouster who took the game to Celtic. All of a sudden Castleknock keeper, Max, was a busy man and was forced to make three wonderful saves from the Ballouster No 12. Its at times like this you appreciate a good keeper and Max is certainly that. With 10 minutes left Ivan Hristov scored to ease Celtic nerves. Shortly after Daniel increased the lead.
Young Ivan was in imperious form driving at the opposition defence at every opportunity and was unlucky not to add to his tally with some of his shots stinging the hands of the Ballyouster keeper. However the youngster was not to be denied as he scored the goal of the game. Ryan (S) played the ball to Hughes who in turn fed Ivan. Ivan played the ball back out right to Luke who went down the line before playing the ball over from the game line to Ivan who hit a glorious first time shot from 5 yards out. FT: 9-1
A good win and a good performance by all the Boys. Spare a thought for Ballyouster who worked hard throughout and their performance was deserving of a closer game. As for Celtic Christmas approaches and if Santy was watching he will know these Boys are being good and doing all the things their Coaches asked. Oh by the way the Man of the Match – for his hard work and never say die attitude not to mention his goals it had to be Gerard.
