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GUINNESS FAI JUNIOR CUP (3rd Round)
CASTLEBAR PREPARE FOR HOME CLASH AGAINST DUBLINERS ON JANUARY 4TH. . . Castlebar Celtic...... 2 Urlaur United......... 0 By Keith Bourke . . . at Celtic Park Castlebar Celtic advanced to fourth round Guinness FAI Junior Cup clash against Pioneers of Dublin after defeating Urlaur United in a hard fought game at Celtic Park on Sunday last. Played on a heavy pitch but in ideal conditions, we saw a hard, physical game between these two Mayo sides. The home side started tentatively and Urlaur United took the initiative and the game to Celtic in the opening minutes, prompted by midfielder Paul Jordan. The Celtic defence withstood the pressure allowing Urlaur only one shot on goal which was well saved by goalkeeper Joe McDonald Celtic got back into the game thanks mainly to their raiding right-back, Ollie Cunningham and their tenacious midfield pairing of Adrian O'Brien and Brian Malone. The home side opened the scoring after 11 minutes when Dara Ainsworth latched on to a great through ball by his striking partner John Canning and lifted the ball over the hapless Thomas Regan. Urlaur replaced Enda Nolan with Michael Nevin who made a big impression on the game. Celtic were two up after 18 minutes when Thomas Regan dropped a curling Dara Ainsworth cross and the ball fell invitingly to the awaiting John Canning who gleefully smashed the ball home. This stung the away side into action and they almost scored when after a defensive blunder Urlaur striker Denis Stevens was put through on goal, but he pushed his shot marginally wide. Play continued from end to end with neither side dominant. When referee Mick Walsh blew the half-time whistle it was Celtic who went in the happier with a two goal cushion. Urlaur made some positional changes at the start of the second half but without the desired effect as Celtic took control for the opening minuted with Ollie Cunningham tormenting the Urlaur defence with his speedy excursions down the right flank. Ainsworth's pace caused problems for the Urlaur rearguard but some good defensive play prevented Celtic adding to their tally. TEMPERS FRAYED Celtic midfielder Sean Reilly really got into the game in the second half and was unlucky not to score when he was played in by Canning only to be denied by a fine save from Thomas Regan. Tempers began to fray midway through the second half and referee Mick Walsh was forced to make three bookings in order to cool matters down. In the closing minutes Urlaur piled on the pressure and but for some brilliant saves by Joe McDonald and two goal line clearances by Ollie Cunningham and Declan Kearney would have been on he scoresheet. As it was Celtic weathered the storm and maintained their lead, emerging victorious against the more experienced East Mayo side. Best for Castlebar Celtic were Ollie Cunningham, Brian Malone, Adrian O'Brien, Sean Reilly, and Dara Ainsworth. Paul Jordan, Michael Nevin, Brendan Duffy and Denis Stevens shone for Urlaur United. Castlebar Celtic: Joe McDonald, Ollie Cunningham, Declan Kearney, Barry Redmond, Eamon Shaughnessy, Brian Malone, Sean Reilly, Adrian O'Brien, John Canning, Brian Duffy, Dara Ainsworth. Sub used: Thomas Hoban. Urlaur United: Thomas Regan, Micky Horan, Brendan Duffy, John Costello, John Duffy, Ronnie Robinson, Jerome Hunt, Chris Jordan, Dennis Stevens, Paul Jordan, Enda Walsh. Sub used: Michael Nevin. Ref: M. Walsh (Castlebar). *Star Rating: Ollie Cunningham. . .dangerous runs. |
