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Celtic travelled south to Greystones for this league encounter, these 2 teams have never met before, but a close game was expected by all. As this was the manager's first game back after his recent cardiac blip, he felt good to be back and involved.
Greystones started the game very brightly and went ahead in the 2nd minute, some indecision at the back allowing the opposition to score a soft early goal. The pitch was like a green carpet and Celtic tried to get their passing game going but struggled against a determined Greystones defence and a very big goalkeeper. Greystones made it 2-0 after 15 minutes in, a through ball catching the Celtic defence out of position and it was finished by the opposition striker into the corner. However heads never dropped and Celtic created some opportunities but lacked the killer blow or the Greystones keeper plucked them from the sky. Things got worse before half-time, Greystones getting their third with a speculative effort. There was no pressure put on the ball allowing the striker all the time in the world to get his shot away and score the softest of goals.
So 0-3 down at halftime, not good. But to Celtic's credit there was a feeling amongst the visitors that they were a bit unlucky not to be in the game on a better footing, and they began the second half determined to get some positives from a so far frustrating day. Eoghan S had come on at half time and immediately began to hassle the opposition with his closing down and tackling, this seemed to spread to the rest of the team and all of a sudden Celtic were dominating. Declan O'Malley, who had been Celtic's most creative player pulled a goal back 10 mins in, rounding the Keeper and slotting home, and the second duly arrived 5 mins later, Cormac finishing after a corner.
Celtic were flying now but the clock was against them. The drama unfolded. Ross K drilled in a brilliant cross but somehow the Grestones keeper pushed it away and Simon worked some good attempts from set pieces. However if you continue to make good decisions you usually get your reward and Celtic's equalizer was a great team goal. With good passing and movement freeing up Wesley down the left, Wesley drove into the area and after attracting 2 defenders and the goalkeeper to the ball, he crossed for Declan to tap into the empty net. With over 5 mins to go, Celtic had the momentum and they went in search of the winner and what a goal it was.
Wesley picking the ball up in midfield from a clearance and driving at the home defence, his pace took him into the area but his last touch looked too heavy and, with the big lad in goal closing him down quickly, Wesley stretched and slid the ball homel. What a goal, what a game, cue wild celebrations on the sideline. The impossible had happened. 4-3 to Celtic. The manager had to say after the game that this was not the best game in the world from his health point of view, but for sheer guts and determination and no small amount of skill and great goals, you would have to go a long way to match this. Well done lads. It's great to be back. Ssee you all on Monday for training.
