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Celtic took on Knocklyon in this away fixture. Anything less than all 3 points would make it difficult to finish above the hosts. Knocklyon had won the first battle between these 2 teams, 2-0 defeat in Porterstown. Celtic began very brightly, dominating possession and looking dangerous in attack. Declan o,Malley was causing problems for the home defence with clever movement and was being found in good areas by Cormac who started at right back.
Celtic created a number of good chances during this dominant phase of the game but could not convert any of the chances they created, but luck changed when Simon put in a shot from an impossible angle and the ball flew in off the far post. 1-0 to Celtic and thoroughly deserved.
Simon almost made it 2 up, his shot coming back off the crossbar. At half time the message was more of the same, the Celtic goalie was complaining of the cold such was the level of dominance enjoyed by Celtic.
Someone said Paddy Power had stopped taking bets on an away victory, however things don't always go to plan and Knocklyon came out with much more energy and grit in the second half. Celtic were being forced to defend deep for the first time in the match, and the hosts equalized at the mid point, a fine drive into the bottom corner giving the keeper no chance. The game was pretty even now, but a long ball caught out the Celtic defence and was converted to give the home team the lead for the first time. Chances came and went at both ends before Celtic got back on top and finished the game the stronger, forcing a string of corners and causing last ditch defending from the home team. However the goal did not come, and alas it was the home team who were the very unlikely winners given the position at half time. At the end the coach told the disappointed crew that sometimes football can be cruel and indeed that is true on this occasion, that said you have to take your chances when you are on top, and if you don't, well....read the above .
