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It was top versus bottom in Dundrum as Celtic visited Dundrum FC. The uninformed would have thought that this would be a routine win for the Celtic, but if you looked carefully at Dundrum's recent results, they have been competing well and are much improved compared with their results a couple of months ago. For long spells, it was not clear who was top of the table and it was clear that there was a challenge facing Celtic.
The first goal came midway through the first half when Costel Burlacu got possession and shot at goal. The ball somehow got past the keeper and squirmed into the goal, or so it appeared to many. After consultation, the ref awarded the goal which was a controversial decision. Theo Hennessy in goal again had to be alert to make sure he did not concede a goal. The equalising goal was equally controversial as the first. It came from a corner kick that was left by the defender and bounced into the keeper, Theo Hennessy, who was caught unawares, before ricocheting into the net. Celtic players were convinced the ball went through the side netting before hitting the keeper. The ref again consulted and there was no objection from the Celtic management. 1-1 at half time.
The second half saw lots of chances, including at least 3 gilt-edged ones that were not taken. There were whispers that Celtic would not score again today given the way the chances came and went. But with minutes remaining, Ren Mulligan got his shot on target and this time it hit the back of the net. There were huge sighs of relief with Celtic getting the edge. Soon after Ethan Hoey broke from the middle of the park, and as he gave the keeper the eyes, he blasted his shot goalward, but the keeper made a magnificent save.
Dundrum did not give up, as they continued to fight on and it was a great save by Ahmad Niazi that made sure that Celtic won the valuable points that puts daylight between his team and their closest challengers. Well done to Celtic's defenders, Ahmad in the first half before taking on goalkeeping duties, Joseph Dunne who was assured in the middle, and the ever-reliable Conor Lawless. Ren joined the defence in the second half, but he did venture forward on occasions in pursuit of the goal that almost eluded Celtic. Theo moved into the attack with James Bannerman and he went close to getting a goal. James was back to his menacing best and was most unlucky not to score. Rei Mulligan also was very unfortunate not to score. Next stop Kilbarrack for the game against Mid Sutton who are the only team to beat Celtic since the leagues were reconstituted at Christmas.
