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Celtic's 12C fixture away to Dalkey on the Hudson Road somehow survived the conditions, and the game went ahead on a pitch that was reminiscent of the Baseball Ground in the 1970's when Brian Clough ruled the Derby County roost, before his relationship with chairman Sam Longson had deteriorated, and he and Taylor resigned. They were later to reappear with Nottingham Forest who went on to win 2 European Cups, with the Irish team manager, Martin O'Neill one of the stars, and central defender Larry Lloyd after his move from Liverpool.
The conditions today were the same for both teams and as their first meeting had been a draw in Porterstown, a tight affair was to be expected.The squad of 11 were all up for the game and the team talk beforehand was to ignore the chilling effect of the wind and rain and to keep the ball on the deck.The opening exchanges were pretty even, Celtic having most of the possession, but Dalkey were dangerous on the break. It was from one of these breaks that the first Dalkey goal came. Winning the ball in mid field, the Dalkey striker received a through ball which he finished well.1-0 to Dalkey.
Celtic went on the attack immediately, On 15 mins they got their equaliser, Salim Nechat getting the final touch in a goalmouth scramble. This settled the Celts down and the football began to come through. All of a sudden, the unnecessary rushing on the ball was replaced with composure, and despite the pitch, Celtic produced great football.
Declan O'Malley made it 2-1 for Celtic, driving into the box and finishing calmly, just as he always does, no panic here. The half time whistle could not come quickly enough for Dalkey.
The second half soon developed a similar pattern, Celtic playing out from the back, providing options and creating chances. Danny Kavanagh popped up with the third, some neat interchanges setting him up.
Declan went in goal for the last 15, and watched as Conor Coughlan powered his shot into the corner to make it 4 for Celtic, (remember Ronnie Radford who would have been proud of that one - he is a former English footballer who notably scored a memorable goal in the 1971–72 FA Cup for Hereford United during their famous 2–1 giant-killing of Newcastle United). Francis got in on the act, finishing at the far post after Conor had put in yet another killer cross from the right, text book stuff. Dalkey were chasing shadows now as Celtic played neat football all over the pitch.
Danny got his second with 5 mins to go, taking on the defender on the outside and going across the keeper with his shot. Francis Custodio finished the scoring, finding the roof of the net with a right foot finish from close in. This was Celtic’s best performance of the season. All the players, Francis, Ross Kennedy (capt), Simon Conoso, Eoghan Smithers, Conor, Declan, Daniel Kavanagh, Chesney Moniz, Danny, Salim and not forgetting Owen Boyle, who has to get a special mention, as he absolutely ran the show, moving the ball quickly and simply, always having a clear idea of what he needed to do, as well as providing cover to his defence and support to his attack.
So it finished 7-1 for Celtic. Well done all, your hard work is starting to pay divdends. See you Tuesday.
