NDSL 14Premier

11 May 08

Castleknock Celtic 3      Mullingar Athletic 1

The home team approached this, their final league match with confidence and satisfaction, knowing that a win would put them 2 points clear at the top of the table. This position reflected a season of significant advancement and the translation of excellent coaching by Philip Zambra from the training ground to the field of play. 

The opposition from Mullingar however had their heart set on getting something from this match and came out of the blocks flying. Celtic showed an early indecisiveness that reflected the importance of the match, showing signs of nerves. Not helped by injury in the first minute to Jason Morgan, the home team re-arranged with Carl O’Mahoney raiding on the left flank. Celtic still suffered from the early pressure, and Mullingar took the lead after 15 minutes, despite a fine save from Niall Browne. Things continued to go against Celtic with injury to John Richard O’Donovan who was replaced by Eoin Hanlon in the centre of defence. 

As the half came to a close, Celtic found their form and a strong run by Matthew Olenczuk (Magic) saw a delivery to the box for an easy tap in by Aaron Wilson, leaving it level at half time. 

Celtic were much better in the 2^nd half and got a breakthrough with a fine finish by Conor Fitzpatrick on the end of a Craig Hilton free kick. Keeper Browne made further excellent saves but Mark Kelly and Joe Crampton settled the midfield with Crampton providing the through ball for Niall Luckie to beat his man for a sweet finish to provide breathing space.  

Gareth Duffy & John Moran continued to provide the overlap, linking well with the ever industrious Sean Murphy, to see Celtic past the final whistle, content to sit top of the league, albeit dependent on 2 other results next week. Fingers crossed!