|
Clonmel Celtic ended their miserable record against Rock Rovers with a merited but hard fought victory to reach the 4th round of the Munster Junior Cup. As soon as the draw was made Celtic know they would have to be at their very best to advance. The absence of a couple of key players made the task all the harder but you had to be impressed with Celtic's work rate and dogged determination which carried them through this difficult challenge. Rock Rovers looked the more impressive team in the first half and Celtic could count themselves fortunate to be level at the break. They could thank keeper John Ryan for this as he produced a marvellous point blank reflex save on the stroke of half time. The second half started as the first ended with Celtic on the back foot and Rovers applying the pressure. However against the run of play Celtic struck on 52 minutes. Stephen Ryan combined with Paul Kennedy in the centre of the field and Kennedy's pass found Paulie Landers charging down the right in acres of space. The youth player hit the ball first time and his effort flew into the top corner for a brilliant goal to give Celtic the lead. The goal seemed to breathe confidence into Celtic as their play noticeably improved. Indeed they came close to wrapping the game up on the hour mark when Paul Kennedy turned smartly in the box but his effort struck the post. Minutes later Rovers had strong claims for a penalty turned down. Celtic were beginning to carry more and more of a threat and they should have sealed it with twelve minutes remaining but Stephen Ryan failed to properly connect with Paulie Landers cross after a flowing Celtic move. Stephen Ryan made amends four minutes later when, played through by Paul Kennedy, he expertly chipped the advancing keeper to make it 2-0 to Celtic. Rovers did manage to score a late consolation goal but it wasn't enough to take the gloss of a fine result for Celtic.
|
Site Designed by Danny Madigan
|
|
|
|
Clonmel Celtic Advertising clonmelceltic@hotmail.com |
Clonmel Celtic |
