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“Reilly steals the headlines as second half performance sees Celts home ”
The Celts made the short trip to Glasnevin with both teams keen to build on what were narrow wins last week. So the scene was well and truly set as both teams took to a beautiful pitch on a beautiful sunny morning .
Celtic started like an express train and were 1-0 up within 2 minutes. “Twinkle Toes” Kane made a run down the left before his deflected pass ran to Ciaran Collins who with still plenty to do wriggled past two defenders before planting the ball home. Kane and Collins are close friends off the pitch and if Kane is “Twinkle Toes” then Collins must be “ Cha Cha” such is his speed of foot that combines balance and control of the youngster.
Despite the positive start, Castleknock could not build on it and as the half wore on Glasnevin started to enjoy more possession with most of the play in the Celtic half. Credit to Matthew Russell and Dylan McDonagh at the back for limiting Glasnevin to long range efforts where keeper, Thomas Bowe, always looked in control. HT 1-0.
The Coaches were far from happy at half time where poor passing and marking had ceded the initiative to Glasnevin. Greater effort and concentration was demanded in the second half. It was a cautious start to the second half by both sides before a moment of magic by the mercurial Collins changed the game. A quick break saw Collins beat two players before delivering an inch perfect 30 yard cross-field pass on to the head of the well positioned Leigh Reilly whose deft header left the Glasnevin keeper with no chance. A decisive blow that lifted the Celts and deflated Glasnevin in equal measure.
Minutes later it was 3-0 with the same combination of Collins the provider and Reilly the deadly finisher. Soon after it was 4-0 when “Twinkle Toes” teed up the excellently positioned Reilly to slot home to complete his hat-trick.
With legs tiring, Alex San Emeterio was re-introduced for the impressive Kane. It was a welcome sight to see San Emeterio back playing football so well after a long lay off that had seen the youngster only return to training two weeks ago. Pressure continued and Matthew Elliott forced two fine saves from the Glasnevin keeper. With 10 minutes left, the relentless Celtic pressure resulted in a fifth. Mark Hughes, who along with Andrei Enache had put in a tiresless shift in midfield, split the Glasnevin midfield and defence with a lovely pass to Kian Ryan who in turn played a quick ball to the unmarked Reilly (who else?),to score his fourth. Reilly is in fine goal scoring form of late where his positioning and awareness up front is second to none.
Late on Cathal Flynn and Hughes brought saves from the Glasnevin net-minder before the final whistle brought loud applause for the young Celts.
Another fine day, another win, so for sure the Celts won’t want the winter to come just yet. Ignore the score line, the real positive was a much improved performance by the Boys, particularly in the second half.
