- OUR PARTNERS
While a pair of braces from James Bannerman and Rei Mulligan were the difference between two battling teams on the scoreboard, this was a team performance, led by splendid display in goal by Ahmad Niazi, that delivered a great result for Celtic. rewind
Celtic were rocked back by a 2 goal salvo by Clontarf that left the home side stunned and fearing the worst. But the resolve of this team became evident as they bounced back. First it was James Bannerman to strike to reduce the deficit. This was followed by Rei Mulligan whose headed goal brought the sides level. Clontarf restored their lead by the break, and it was Celtic's coaches who had to rally the troops at half time. The pep talk worked a treat. rewind 2
The second half saw James Bannerman bring the sides level again with a sweet finish from close range. It was end to end stuff with both teams battling to gain the advantage, or at least to prevent defeat. Man of the match Ahmad Niazi was stopping everything that was thrown at him, including saves at full stretch. Ibrahim Hussein, Tadgh Leahy, Conor Lawless and Joseph Dunne were immense at the back. Cosdel Burlacu, Ren and Rei Mulligan were like human dynamos in the middle, with goal scorer James Bannerman and Reuben Aherne providing the threat up-front, closing down at every opportunity – as they say, the first line of defence is your front men. rewind 3
As the game drew to a close, it looked like the spoils would be shared, and no one would have argued with that. But it was Celtic who were to prevail. Cosdel won a corner kick for Celtic, and he took it himself. His cross was met beautifully on the half volley by Rei who rattled the net with a classy finish. Ren Mulligan and James Bannerman went close but it ended with the Hoops narrowly winning on a crisp bright morning at the NAC all weather pitches in Abbotstown, a very fine surface for football indeed.
