::: Gorey Celtic FC

Friday 28th August 2009
Gorey Celtic 3rd 1 - 0 Camolin Celtic

Gorey Celtics 3rd team had the honour of kicking off the Wexford Leagues 2009/10 season with their first ever fixture, ending with a 1-0 victory over local rivals Camolin Celtic in a close fought encounter played under the floodlights in Mullaunfin on Friday Night.

Celtic started nervously, which is understandable as the game was played in front of a big home support. As the first half progressed Celtic started to settle, a feature of the early stages of the game, was the workrate of captain Paddy Callery in the heart of the Gorey midfield, who was covering every blade of grass on the pitch.
On 25 mins, Darren O Mahoney came close to opening the scoring, a clever turn sent him clear of the Camolin defence, his shot missing the target by inches.
On 30 mins Cylde Pharyres broke clear but his weak shot was dealt with by the visiting Camolin Keeper. On 35 mins Camolin should have taken the lead, a chance fell to the Camolin attacker 8 yards out, but somehow with the goal at his mercy he shot wide. H.T.: 0 - 0

The 2nd period started with the game opening up, the game flowed from end to end. Celtics management trio of "Smeggs" Keegan, " Tilley" and John Murphy decided to introduce the returning Phelim Gallagher on 55 mins. One wondered if after 5 years away from the game, would the prolific Gallagher have lost any of his goal taking awareness.
Well on 65 mins, we got the answer. Following great work from Phayres a cross was produced into the edge of the six yard box, cue Gallagher to rise and head home, 1-0.
Camolin rallied well, and started to search for an equaliser, Celtics defence, marshalled superbly by Pa Murphy and Thomas Crofts stood firm. Celtic were content to hit a tiring Camolin on the break, with Michael Hasset hitting a post from Close range on 75 minutes, and Gallagher missing a good chance to double his tally on 80 mins.

As the minutes ticked towards full time, several of the Camolin players were going down with cramp, thus proving that all the hardwork we have done in pre season is working.
This game was an excellent advertisment for Division 5 football. Played in a very sporting manner from both teams and at a very fast pace.
A very solid start, with excellent performances from Pa Murphy, Thomas Crofts, Michael Hassett and Man of Match Paddy Callery.

Team: Larry Noctor, Cathal Murphy, Thomas Crofts, Pa Murphy, Conor Lynch, Big Chris, Paddy Callery, Andrew Fleming, Michael Hassett, Darren O'Mahoney, Clyde Phayres

Subs: Ken "Chunky" Byrne for Big Chris (35 mins, inj), Phelim Gallagher for O'Mahoney (65 mins), Liam Clarke for Fleming (70 mins), Tyrone Kenny.