Castleknock Celtic  2    Templeogue Utd  2

"Celtic into 5th Round of SFAI Cup with 3-2 win on penalties"

SFAI U-13 Troy Cup

29 Nov. 08

and again for pennos

Celtic put aside their poor league results and gave themselves a boost with this win over southsiders, Templeogue, in this 4th round tie of the SFAI Troy Cup in Porterstown.  It was a murky and foggy afternoon, with temperature refusing to rise which left it very cold indeed.  But the 2 teams served up a cracking competitive tie, that United will feel they deserved more from.

Celtic started promisingly, but they lacked the necessary penetration to make it count.  Surprisingly then,  it was Templeogue who drew first blood when they went ahead with a very controversial goal that very few thought had crossed the goal-line.  But it was the margin that stood between the teams for most of the game.  0-1 half-time

Manager Declan Hevey rang the changes midway through the second half, with 3 substitutes brought into action.  Newly-introduced Ryan Kearney-Moore started to weave his magic, and got himself into some very dangerous positions.  Conor Stephenson, back after a long lay-off through injury, was also one of those introduced. It was however a Templeogue error that threw Celtic a lifeline as we entered the final quarter of the game. Warren Kershaw took his chance with aplomb, as he rounded the keeper and slotted home from the acutest of angles.  1-1 full time

Extra-time

Though Celtic had looked the more likely to win it in the final quarter, early into the extra time, United again seized their opportunity with a fine strike into the far corner of the net, and Celtic once again found themselves behind.  1-2

With minutes remaining, Celtic were looking down the barrel of a shock defeat.  But Conor Stephenson capped his fine performance with a peach of a goal.  He found himself on the left hand side of the box as the ball bounced kindly for him.  He showed all his well-known skill with a half volley to the far corner of the United net.  2-2 after extra-time

Penalty Shoot-out

Nerves were rattling on both sides as they prepared for the dreaded shoot-out.  Toyeeb was first to shoot for Celtic and though he hit it well, the United keeper took off a brilliant save, which was not surprising as he had been impressive throughout.  However, Celtic clawed their way back into contention, while United began to disintegrate. It was left to Ryan to pull off the final save to send Celtic into the 5th round, by the skin of their teeth. But well done for a gritty performance that showed there is grit in the team that can do the biz when required.  3-2 on penalties for Celtic.