|
From being in a position of total control where they were chasing a third to seal a comfortable win, Celtic were left clinging to a 1 goal lead and came perilously close to being knocked out of the Tipperary Cup. Celtic started the game well and it was clear from early on that the big Cooke Park pitch suited their passing game as they took control in the early stages. On 4 minutes Paul Kennedy had a goal bound shot blocked and moments later he did well to set up Paddy O'Donnell who blasted narrowly wide. Celtic continued to press and on 8 minutes the Rock keeper produced a fine save from Ross Doyle. The goal Celtic were threatening eventually arrived on 18 minutes when Brian Waters glanced home a Ross Doyle free kick. Rovers came a little bit more into the game and they had strong appeals for a penalty turned down on 25 minutes. Five minutes later the Carrick side came close again when a striker stroke a post with John Ryan rooted to the spot. Despite their mini revival Rock found themselves 2-0 down on 35 minutes when Paul Kennedy converted a penalty after he had been taken down when clean through. Celtic continued to threaten on the restart and had three great chances to seal this game within 10 minutes of the second half starting. Paddy O'Donnell and Paul Kennedy linked up well on the edge of the Rovers box but after rounding the keeper O'Donnell hit the post with the goal gaping. On the hour mark Paul Kennedy found himself through on goal but shot tamely at the keeper when he should have done better. Eight minutes later Kennedy and O'Donnell combined again but the latter's cross was intercepted before it could reach Paul Kennedy who would have had a simple tap in. Oh how Celtic nearly regretted these misses. Rovers sensed they still had a chance as they grew in confidence and dominated the last 20 minutes. On 70 minutes they got a goal back when Celtic failed to clear a corner. Celtic were unrecognizable from the team that started this game. They dropped too deep, totally surrendered possession and an element of panic entered their game as Rock put them under the cosh. Rovers came desperately close on four or five occasions in the latter moments, none more so than on 80 minutes when a Celtic player somehow managed to clear off the line. Neutrals would probably feel that Rock deserved an equaliser but it was not to be as Celtic somehow held on to reach their first final at junior level. The lessons learned in this game should serve them well in the final.
|
Site Designed by Danny Madigan
|
|
|
|
Clonmel Celtic Advertising clonmelceltic@hotmail.com |
Clonmel Celtic |
