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Clonmel Celtic were denied a priceless 3 points when Emmet Ryan scored a late equaliser for the Bridge which left the final score 2-2 after an exhilarating battle. With both sides level on points, occupying the final relegation spot, this was a huge game which neither team could afford to lose. A draw means that both sides still have a lot to do to guarantee premier football next season. Bridge started the better and could have been 2-0 up in the first ten minutes. First Dean Blake hit a post and then Eoin Leahy was denied by a brave save from Raymie Boyle. Gradually Celtic got more into the game and began to gain more possession without creating too many chances. However they did have a great opportunity on 25 minutes when Paddy O'Donnell was played in but the Bridge keeper did well to block his effort. Raymie Boyle did well to hold a Noel O'Brien free kick on 30 minutes and 2 minutes later Emmet Ryan headed over when well placed. However the goal the Bridge were threatening eventually arrived on 37 minutes when Eoin Leahy headed home a Noel O'Brien free kick. Celtic now faced the most important 45 minutes of their season and in fairness to them they responded in splendid fashion. They dominated the second half and had the Bridge on the back foot throughout. They played a very expansive game and ran the Bridge ragged at time. On 53 minutes the inevitable equaliser came when Kevin Kennedy deftly headed home a Stephen Ryan free kick. Celtic knew the game was there for the taking and continued to exert pressure. On 55 minutes an excellent solo run saw Paddy O'Donnell lose control at the last minute. On 63 minutes a brilliant ball from Graham Doyle found Barry O'Neill but he couldn't get enough power in his effort which allowed Richie Tobin to paw his shot around the post. From the resulting corner a Stephen Ryan header was cleared off the line. Minutes later another excellent Celtic move saw Graham Doyle and John Mullins combine to play in James Power and his shot across goal went narrowly wide. Celtic took a deserved lead on 79 minutes with a classic counter attack. The move started with Darren Burns finding Eddie Doyle. Eddie Doyle played a great one two with John Mullins and then raced down the wing where his cross found his brother Graham at the far post and he shot home to give Celtic a vital lead. In truth Celtic looked to have the game won but with 3 minutes left Raymie Boyle's attempt to tip an effort over the bar rebounded off the cross bar and Emmet Doyle nodded home to cruelly deny Celtic victory. Although both sides are still in trouble, both, on this fighting performance, should be playing Premier football next year. However with one point separating the bottom four this is the tightest relegation battle in years and even Borris and Peake Villa are not out of trouble yet. However if Celtic can reproduce that battling second performance, as typified by Kevin Kennedy's magnificent display in midfield. not alone should they stay up but they should finish the season unbeaten.
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