9 May 2008

Semi-Final AUL Complex Cup

Castleknock Celtic  1  Dingle Utd  1

(Celtic won 5-4 on penalties)

Celtic have earned their place in the AUL Cup  on 25th May in Clonshaugh.

This semi-final was balanced on a knife edge from start to the very finish when Dingle Utd failed to convert their 5th and final penalty in a penalty shoot-out with Celtic leading 5-4.

Weah U'tway had put Celtic ahead after 25 mins to give them the lead at half time.  Celtic had a couple of chances in scrambles in the Dingle Utd penalty box, but to no avail.

Around the 70 min mark, Dingle levelled the match, and it  was to ramain all-square even after extra-time.

The dreaded penalty shoot-out ensued, and it was Celtic who held their nerve converting their 5 pennos, and Dingle hit the foot of the post with their final effort.

This sets Celtic up nicely for a serious challenge on the double to emulate Brian Cummins' team in 1996 (see home page).  One setback in this challenge is the absence of one of their leading strikers, Adam O'Callaghan, who hurt his ankle in training. 

The bread and butter matter of the league title resumes with their game away to Marks Celtic which is expected to be another tough game.