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Mc Donagh shines as Celtic return to form
The U14 Celts have been having a difficult time of late. Inconsistent performances and the loss of a near three season unbeaten home record had seen them drift to mid table so todays fixture was akin to a Cup game as it was essential for the lads to get back on track if they are to harbour any hopes of promotion. The opposition, Shelbourne, would not make it easy – last years Champions and a team who had already secured three points against the Celts earlier this season. Preparations were not helped when news filtered through on Friday that defensive stalwart Franc Ajunomah would be absent for this important fixture.
The game started tentatively enough and it took a goal to really open up the game. Dylan Mc Donagh went down the left before lifting the ball , from the by-line, over the Shels defence where it was met with a thundering volley by Kiano Ryan. 1-0. Following this Celtic started to move the ball with purpose with most of the threat coming down the left side with Mc Donagh dazzling. Another great passage of play saw Kiano blast over from 4 yards out but with pressure mounting a goal duly came. Mark Hughes strode forward from midfield and played the ball wide to Mc Donagh. Mc Donagh played it back inside to Hughes who returned the gesture before overlapping Mc Donagh. Mc Donagh first time pass was taken on by Hughes to the by-line before his left footed cross was touched home by “Lethal” Leigh Reilly.
10 minutes before half time it was three when Mc Donagh played a lovely defence splitting pass to Antonio Neto who strode forward before placing the ball past the Shels No 1 with composite ease. 3-0. Hughes nearly made it four with a free kick from an acute angle. Coasting but Celtic took their foot off the peddle and just on half time conceded a needless free kick from where the Shels No 10 struck a perfectly executed strike into the roof of the net. HT: 3-1
The second half was a much tighter affair. While Celtic were enjoying more possession, with some quality passing exchanges, the final delivery was missing. Shels were content to attack on the break with their play direct but effective. Chances came at both ends – Shels hit the post and should have scored from 6 yards out. Celtic’s Donatus Mweke then made a goal saving tackle and keeper Tommy Bowe had to make a smart save. At the Celtic hit the bar and the post while Mc Donagh and Kiano both came close. With 10 minutes left Celtic rode their luck when their keeper raced off his line and collided with the Shels striker. It could have been a sending off as he was last man but the Referee deemed it unintentional and a yellow card.
Having weathered the storm Celtic regained their supremacy and the points were wrapped up with four minutes remaining when Neto played an early ball to Kiano, who with a neat touch of the ball showed his explosive speed before supplying a cool finish past the advancing Shels No 1. FT: 4-1
An important and deserved win for Celtic against a hardworking Shelbourne team. The Coaches were satisfied with their charges efforts and there were plenty of positives on the day with a quality performance from the impressive Kiano and a welcome return to form by Antonio. A special mention to Dylan Mc Donagh, who, aside from putting in a Man of the Match performance, also deserves recognition for cancelling a weekend away to help his team mates out. Well done Dylan, well done lads – keep it going. COM’N THE CELTS!!!!
