::: Gorey Celtic FC

Sunday 18th October 2009
Ajax Athletic 2 - 2 Gorey Celtic

Celtic travelled into the managements team's home parish on Sunday and came home with a good point, having had to come from behind twice to secure a 2-2 draw.

A very unusual nervous, cautious start from Celtic littered with poor passing and being unsure in defence and it was no suprise that Ajax took an early lead after 15 mins of the game and only for some fine goalkeeping could have found themselves in further trouble
Somewhat against the run of play, Celtic levelled matters, Steve Allen finding the net, 2 mins later Celtic lost their captain Joe Roche through injury. This setback really unsettled Celtic and Ajax went on the offensive for the remainder of the half, but to their credit celtic stood firm and held firm until half-time.

H.T.: 1-1

Celtic had to make a further change at half-time, Alan Fogerty come in at left back for the injured Ken Price.
Celtic came out after the half-time break a different team, improved passing and really going at the Ajax back four and more importantly they strarted to create plenty of chances with Allen, Carey and Hayden all going close to putting Celtic into the lead.

As Celtic did in the first half, Ajax scored against the run of play. Not feeling sorry for themselves, Celtic dusted themselves down got a deserved equaliser from Terry Carey converting from the penalty spot.
Both teams seemed happy with a point at this stage, neither willing to go in search a 3rd goal in fear of conceding at the back.

A very poor 1st half performance but a different team in the 2nd half. A good point away from home, not many teams will like playing in Ajax's home patch, and not many will come away with 3 points.

Team: Sam Griffith, Steven Finn, Brian Maher, Chris Cullen, Ken Price, Paul Hayden, Joe Roche, John Lavery, John Nolan, Steve Allen, Terry Carey.

Subs: Colin McShane for Roche (25 mins, inj), Alan Fogerty for Price (ht, inj), Chris Sheridan