Robbo’s heroes went within a whisker of dumping Premier side, Knocklyon Utd, out of the SFAI National Cup in Porterstown. It was one of the best games seen at this venue at any age level.
The visitors started like a train, and looked in the early minutes that they were going to overrun the free-scoring Celtic who had been scoring for fun in recent weeks. Knocklyon eventually made the breakthrough and it looked ominous for the home side. The goal ignited a spark in the Celtic troopers. Their passing was suddenly up a gear, and they were soon level from a free kick from Brian Dalton, after Vilium had been taken down. 1-1 Celtic continued their resurgence, and got their second when Vilius broke through before sliding the ball past the keeper. 2-1
Knocklyon struck back within minutes when the strike of the match (no pun intended!) was executed by the Knocklyon midfielder, a peach of a left-footed shot into the top left hand corner. The spectators were salivating at the entertainment from both sides. 2-2 half-time match action
Knocklyon seemed to flag in the second half and Celtic took advantage. An amazing move involving Brian Dalton and Nomah, including the deftest of touches from Nomah, led to Brian Dalton getting his second when finishing in style. more match action 3-2 Another passage of play saw Alan Elliott, who was his usual excellent self, curl a shot on the run against the angle of post and bar. The onlookers looked on in awe.
Knocklyon rediscovered their touch just when it looked like Celtic were going to progress to the next round of this very prestigious Cup. Two quick strikes suddenly changed things around radically, and Celtic had a mountain to climb when their energy levels were flagging – they had run themselves into the ground – and Eugie at the back had been immense, defending stoutly, while raiding forward regularly. For once in the game Celtic were unable to respond, and Knocklyon were the victors at the final whistle. Manager Rob Ryan was immensely proud of the lads. He suggested that the club should be charging spectators for such entertainment, and he is probably correct !! He commended each of his players for their honesty of effort, concentration, imagination and intelligence.
Knocklyon rediscovered their touch just when it looked like Celtic were going to progress to the next round of this very prestigious Cup. Two quick strikes suddenly changed things around radically, and Celtic had a mountain to climb when their energy levels were flagging – they had run themselves into the ground – and Eugie at the back had been immense, defending stoutly, while raiding forward regularly. For once in the game Celtic were unable to respond, and Knocklyon were the victors at the final whistle. Manager Rob Ryan was immensely proud of the lads. He suggested that the club should be charging spectators for such entertainment, and he is probably correct !! He commended each of his players for their honesty of effort, concentration, imagination and intelligence.
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