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Celtic character not enough to deny rampant Joeys”
What a difference a week makes. This time last week Celtic were preparing for a Cup Semi Final with confidence following a win over league leaders, Peamount Utd, and a thrilling and deserved win in the Cup over today's opponents St Josephs Boys. Roll forward a week and three defeats later Celtic are in a different space. While last week's Cup defeat was not deserved there was no denying that today Joeys were deserved winners.
In fairness to Celtic their squad of 15 was down to 10 after two withdrawals on Friday evening with keeper Tommy Bowe beind declared unfit to play minutes before kick off. With preparations knocked for six it was no surprise that Celtic were soon in arrears when following some nice build play the Joeys midfielder scored with a fine shot from over 20 yards out. 1-0. Minutes later it was two amd again Celtics habit of assisting the opposition came to play. A foul throw, for the umpteenth time, saw Joeys gain quick possession and from this their striker was taken down in the box. Penalty and 2-0. Joeys were enjoying themselves and made it three when they scored with a header at the back post from a corner. Ht: 3-0.
With Joeys rampant in midfield Celtic switched to 3-5-2. It would be a long second half against a rampant Joeys and character was needed. And character is what they got. Celtic found their mojo and literally dominated the second half. Every ball was contested, every tackle made as they pinned Joeys back. Credit to the lads as they battled to the end and only some cruel luck denied them what would have been a deserved goal. FT: 3-0
Well done to Joeys for what was a comfortable win. We started this report by mentioning the 3 defears in a week but if the character shown in the second half by the makeshift team is anything to go by then Celtic can look forward with positivity, injuries notwithstanding, to the rest of the season. Before finishing a couple of mentions – to Andrei Enache for manfully going between the sticks after only minutes notice, to Johnny Kane and Zeke Okirikpo for jumping up from the U13’s and helping out – thanks and well played. And finally to Evan Nolan who played out of position at left full and worked himself to the ground. Well done lads – keep the heads up
