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Ardmore break Celtic hearts with lesson in finishing
Castleknock welcomed Ardmore Rovers in a top of the table clash seeking to preserve their unbeaten start to the season. The early exchanges were shared - Celtic seeking to pass their way upfield with Ardmore having a more direct style as their skilful players ran at the Celtic defence. With 10 minutes on the clock Ardmore broke the deadlock with a swift break. Ardmore’s keeper played the ball to the wing. The winger ran at the Celtic defence before playing the ball through to his striker who powered the ball home with a superb finish. 0-1. Celtic were rocked and soon it was 0-2 although this time there was a suspicion of offside. Offside or not this was another quality finish. Ardmore were pumped up. Winning their battles all over the pitch they sought to add to their tally. At times like this you learn the character of a team. It started at the back. Ryan Sherlock, who had a great game, took charge with some chest pumping tackles and Messrs Hughes and Mc Gregor joined in. Still the half time whistle was welcomed and with it a chance to regroup. HT: 0-2
Ardmore had gone with a 4-3-1 formation so the Celtic Coaches moved to 2-4-2. The whistle sounded – let battle commence. Celtic went for it. Slowly but surely Celtic began to dominate. Hughes, now in the middle, and James Browne took control in midfield while Andrei Ungureanu and Denys Yaskersky looked menacing on the wings. With possession came chances as Caitlin La Bont’s industry was matched by Esse Okirikpo’s speed and guile. Celtic were applying the pressure but the Ardmore defence was holding firm and on the rare occasion it was pierced, the Ardmore keeper was in inspired form saving from La Bont (twice) and Esse.
Fresh legs in the form of Conor Simmonds and Abdullah Boujerdha came on. The pressure was relentless and with 12 minutes to go Celtic got the reward when Esse powered his shot home. 1-2 . Game on. However a lack of concentration cost Celtic as within 2 minutes Ardmore had restored their two goal lead with a slick break down the left. The ball was squared and the striker powered home with another quality finish. 1-3. One would have expected Celtic to throw in the towel but no, back they came. Caitlin hit the post, Esse was just wide, Luke’s shot went over the bar and an Andre effort was well saved. Com’n Celtic came the roar from the supporters. The players heard. Conor volleyed just over and then Luke broke from midfield powering through before finding Ben Forde. Ben swivelled and rifled his shot in. 2-3 with 4 minutes to go. Celtic came again and Esse forced a save from the keeper. With time running out and Celtic pushing Ardmore caught Celtic cold again with another swift break and again another quality finish. 2-4 and it was game over.
What a game. A game of great passion and great finishing. Ardmore were ecstatic and why not – a great hard working performance with some very intelligent play and some excellent finishing. Celtic paid for a slow start but their reaction, their hard work and character shown earned them a rousing ovation from their noisy supporters. With a bit more luck (and a bit better finishing!!!) Celtic may have earned at least a share of the spoils. Ardmore showed they are a quality outfit and if Celtic were to lose then Ardmore were fitting victors. Over the past few weeks, Celtic while winning have been inconsistent and while today their first half display was a bit ragged their second half display had it all – quality, patience, intelligence and character. All that was missing was luck and if they can produce this form next week the Coaches will be very very happy. Ironically next week these two teams meet again – if we get half as good a game as we got today then we are in for a treat. If you’re around you could do worse than take a trip to Ballywaltrim so watch these two fine teams in action. Com’n the Celts!!!
