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Clonmel Celtic began their league campaign in dramatic fashion last Sunday recovering from a 2-0 half time deficit to record a memorable victory over St Michaels. It was a win that looked unlikely in the first half as St Michaels started the better and looked the more likely victors in the first period. The Tipperary side were moving the ball around very well and looked strong in all departments as Celtic initially struggled to stay with them. On 10 minutes Barry Ryan flashed a header wide and seven minutes later Raymond Boyle pulled off a fine save from a close range Davy Ryan header. However it only seemed a matter of time before Michaels would breach the Celtic defence and on the half our mark they found themselves two up with two goals from Barry Ryan. There were signs just before the break that Celtic were beginning to settle and the hardworking David McSherry had an effort which was just over. However whatever debutant manager Gerry Lawless said at half time certainly worked as Celtic were a transformed side in the second half. In the first ten minutes David McSherry rifled a shot just over the bar while his brother Adam forced a fine save from David Breen. Celtic looked a much more organised and competent outfit now as they began to take the game to St Michaels. However they still had to remain on their guard as evidenced in the 60th minute when Raymie Boyle saved a point blank effort from Andrew Flynn. In the 63rd minute Celtic were back in the game when Paddy O'Donnell deftly lobbed the stranded David Breen to make it 2-1. It was an exquisite finish from O'Donnell and the game seemed to be slowly turning in Celtic's favour. Madigan and Doyle were winning more ball in midfield and their distribution was bringing Adam and David McSherry more into the game. However despite holding the upper hand St Michaels were still a real danger and with 7 minutes remaining Raymie Boyle brought off a world class save from Barry Ryan. Three minutes later Celtic were level. McSherry found Paddy O'Donnell on the right and he cut inside his marker before firing an effort across the keeper and into the corner of the net to bring Celtic level. Could it get any better? Yes it could ,as in the last minute of play an intelligent ball from Graham Doyle found Adam McSherry in space on the left. With no one else in support, McSherry beat two defenders before rounding the keeper and slotting home a fine individual effort to give Celtic a superb opening day victory. This victory will give the lads a lot of confidence going into next Thursday's challenge against Clonmel Town but no-one is getting carried away with this win. If Celtic can start next Thursday like they finished Sunday's encounter they can push the champions all the way.
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