::: Gorey Celtic FC

Saturday 31st October 2009
Gorey Celtic 2 - 1 Courtown Hibs

What a game.!! Its nights like this that makes it all worthwhile. Played under floodlights, a massive crowd were attracted to Umbro Park to see Celtic rip up the script and record a famous win.
Courtown are in the Wexford Premier League, which is grade 2 levels higher than us, 18 months ago, a pre season friendly resulted in a 7-1 demolition by Courtown.
Had we as a Club improved since that game, would we freeze on the night, these were the questions that had to be answered.

This game had everything, 3 goals, committment and the odd bout of " handbags".

Courtown opened the stronger, with Leighton Gleeson pulling the strings in midfield they looked every bit the Premier team, Celtic were nervous, giving the ball away needlessly, on 10 minutes the game erupted, a 6 man brawl on the edge of the Celtic penalty area, saw referee Ml Franklin brandish a brace of yellow cards, if some players had seen red, there could have been no compliants.
This incident seemed to instill a passion and pride into the team, the tackling became far snappier, little vendettas were being sorted out all over the park. The early goal that Courtown had craved did not happen, this also gave Celtic confidence.

Celtic were playing into a stiff wind, which gave Courtown the majority of possssion in the Celtic half, on 30 minutes Big Jack pulled of a superb save to deny Mark Keane a chance of scoring, 15 yards out Keane's well struck shot was beaten away at full length by Jack, a truly magnificent save which drew applause from both sets of supporters.
Two further saves in the first half were equally impressive, saying that Celtic had their chances, Danny Reilly's efforts was blocked in the 6 yard box and an effort by Craig Connor going over the bar by inches.

As half time approched it was obvious that Courtown were in a game, the scores were level, Celtic were competing, the stage was set for a major performance in the 2nd half.

H.T.: 0-0

The management asked the players at half-time to up the stakes and believe in their ability to pass and play football.

Our request was answered, we started to get more of the football, we were using it better, Leighton Gleeson's control of proceedings was being negated by Danny Reilly and William Doyle and we started to put Courtown on the back foot by creating chances and the willingness of Celtic to work their socks off.
On 60 minutes the Celtic goal arrived, Danny Reilly drifting away from his marker, to meet a delightful cross and glance a downward header home from 7 yards, Umbro Park erupted !!

A Courtown response was expected and they did not dissappoint. 7 minutes later 1-1, a good goal in its execution.
This goal saw Celtic make a change to their attack, a tiring Wes being replaced by Phelim Gallagher, the game at this stage was end to end.

On 75 minutes, Umbro park was rocking again, Phelim firing home from 8 yards after some brave attacking play from Tiernan O'Gara.
The last 15 minutes saw Courtown lay seige on Celtics goal, great defending and the workrate of the Celtic team finally getting us over the finishing line with referee Franklin adding on 5 minutes of additional time.

The scenes at the end told their own story, players embracing each other, managers hugging players, this meant so much to them.
Celtic had delivered !!

Courtown have to be commended for there performace, they threw everything at us. Big Jack kept us in the game in the first half. 3 saves that will live in the memory for a long time.
The 2nd half saw our lads go toe to toe with Courtown and advance to round 3.

We want more nights like this.....

Team: Big Jack, Brendan Doyle, David Melia, Mark Tyndall, Paul Timmins, Craig Connor, Danny Reilly, William Doyle, Ger Carey, Wes Fitzpatrick, Tiernan O'Gara.

Subs: Terry Carey for B Doyle (60 mins), Phelim Gallagher for Fitzpatrick (70 mins), William Keogh for W Doyle (80 mins, inj)