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Celtic came into this game with 7 wins from 8 and having scored 12 goals without conceding one in the last two games and had every reason to believe they could continue their good run. On a beautiful sunny morning Drumcondra would provide strong opposition as the last game between these two teams ended with the narrowest of wins for the Celts.
Celtic started the brighter with their crisp passing causing Drumcondra problems. The returning Rob Laffey was in top form as Celtic dominated the midfield. Chances were being created but the Celtic strikeforce of Liam O’ Neill and James Davy while providing lots of industry were goal shy. As the half wore on Drumcondra worked their way back into the contest but the Celtic defensive trio proved equal to the task. HT: 0-0.
The early exchanges of the second half saw both teams battle for supremacy. Celtic deliberate in their build up and Drumcondra seekling to break on the counter attack. Celtic suffered a set back when Captain and defensive libero Marty Gedominas went off with injury. Ironically after this Celtic upped the pace and nearly broke the deadlock when Daniel Hughes thread a superb ball through to Alex Regan who if anything had too much time as he scuffed the ball wide. Minutes later a James Davy went down the wing and squared to Regan who had made a great run only for the ball to bobble over him as he slid in two yards out. Then a Davy break forced the Drums keeper to act quickly to clear his lines. The hardworking Regan was everywher as he tormented the Drums defence. It paid off as he was taken down just outside the box for the second time in three minutes. Up stepped Davy to curl in the free kick a la Messi 1-0.
Celtic remained in control but conceded a free kick with two minutes left. From the kick the Referee adjudged that a player was pushed on the edge of the box and awarded Drumcondra a penalty which their striker duly converted with a cool finish. 1-1. The remaining minutes were tense as Celtic searched for the winner but credit to Drumcondra as they saw the game out with ease. FT: 1-1.
As the game ended a Drums player came over to taunt Castleknock . One of the players reacted with a push to the chest and the Drums player fell to the ground clutching his face. To the Referees credit he had witnessed what occurred and sent off the Drumcondra player for his behaviour but also showed a red card to the Castleknock player for raising his hands – the Referee had no choice. While the Castleknock player protested his innocence he should know better than to raise his hands. Both managements will be disappointed by the behaviour of their charges. In particular the Celtic players should know by now that you cannot react to provocation. Poor behaviour has cost Celtic in the past and it is putting pressure on the Coaches resources. There’s a simple message here - Lads, get back to what you are good at which is playing football and let the Referees do theirs
