- OUR PARTNERS
Celtic land the spoils in top of the table clash at Porterstown
Celtic battled to a hard fought victory against league leaders Killester on Saturday running out 2-1 winners in a keenly fought and even contest
On a cold wet April morning Killester were the visitors to Porterstown, bringing their 100% league record with them. Celtic U12's were hot on their heals however , 5 points adrift, 7 games to play including Killester home and away. Saturday was a must win game for the lads if they were to have a chance of taking the league title, but pre-match there was no talk of that, only the game ahead and how the lads must focus on being the only team to lower the Killester mast this season so far, winning 3-2 in extra time away in the cup earlier in the season.
The game was even throughout with chances at both ends but it was Killester who took the lead midway through the first half. Celtic were level within 5 minutes as Cillian Hegarty held the ball up before laying it back into midfield and turning and sprinting onto the through ball before holding off the excellent Killester centre half and coolly slotting home . Half time, honours even.
This was always going to be a game that was decided by a single goal as the manager told the lads at half time. Second half Celtic started brightly but Killester defended resolutely and even created chances themselves. The hole team equipped themselves in the right manner and showed the kind of spirit required for such occasions.
Three minutes to play and Celtic won a free kick, right hand side of the Killester box. Ben McDonagh stepped up and curled a dipping effort to the far post. It was going in but the Killester keeper scrambled across but spilled the ball. In stepped Hegarty again to slot home his second and the match winner. the lads celebrated like they'd won the Champions league - as did the parents and coaching staff on the sideline.
Killester pushed for an equaliser late on but the Celtic defence held firm and victory was secured. Credit to two great footballing sides who played the match in the right spirit throughout and produced as good a game of U12 football as you will see all season. A word also for the referee who had an excellent game - words seldom seen on this website.
Celtic: Konrad Fecowicz, Sam Mulhern, James Murgatroyd, Brian Carolan, Ben Nolan, Scott Sorohan, Malik Shushan, Eryk Fecowicz, Cillian Hegarty, Ciaran Murtagh, Ben McDonagh.
No man of the match - each and every player earned that win, doing their job when required throughout. Very well done lads
