NDSL 13Premier

3 February 2008

Castleknock Celtic  9    Raheny Utd  3

Celts go on a second half goal blitz in Porterstown

Sunday, 2nd Feb, marked the first game this season that Celtic had their full squad to select from, and it showed!  Celtic have been ravaged this season with injuries, and for the first 15 mins, they played like they had never played together before.  It was all Raheny pressure early on, with Conor Byrne and captain Colm Neville steadying the ship at the back.

Then Slevin broke on the right to slot Arthur Stark in for goal No. 1, totally against the run of play. Not to be deterred, Raheny continued to press and were denied by two great saves from Celtic stopper Kevin Murphy.

Again, almost a replica of Celtic's first ensured.  Slevin broke from defence to slot Stark through again who rounded the keeper, only to see the shot rebound back off the inside of the post.  Raheny were not sure what was happening.

The visitors, Raheny, continued to press, but were again caught on the break, when Dermot Murray broke on the left to cross for Stark to head the second. 2-0 Celtic at the break.  Raheny were in shock.

Manager Slevin rang the changes at the break, bringing on Cian Conway, and Zak Harold on the left wing, moving Eoin O'Brien back on to the right wing and bang. Celtic started the second half like a whirlwind, Harold proving unplayable on the left wing, cutting Raheny open in attack after attack, crossing fiercely twice across the box until O'Brien slotted home No. 3.

Stark then went on a goal blitz. This Polish lad can't stop scoring, he had scored 5 on Saturday playing GAA, and he now proceeded to add another 4 superb goals to bring his tally to 6 for the day. 7-0.

Substitute Ryan O'Reilly added number 8, before Slevin added the ninth.  In truth, with Harold Zak on form, Celtic could and should have slotted home another 7, but for some poor finishing and some stunning keeping from the Raheny keeper.

Celtic now look to be back on form and ready for a title challange. Fortunately, other results went Celtic's way, so interesting times ahead.