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Celtic pay price for defensive lapses HARP LAGER F.A.I. INTERMEDIATE CUP (1ST ROUND) Castlebar Celtic ....................... 3 Salthill Devon........................... 3 TOM KELLY. . .AT CELTIC PARK More games like this and Celtic Park will surely start buzzing again. Castlebar Celtic, desperate to rediscover the good times, did everything in their power to secure a place in the second round of the Harp Lager F.A.I. Intermediate Cup at the first attempt on Saturday. But they found Salthill Devon in uncompromising mood as the Galway city side came from behind three times to force a home replay next weekend. Celtic's more direct and tenacious approach paid the greater dividends in the early stages, and they were rewarded with the most straight-forward of goals after just thirteen minutes. Kieran Murphy, the side's inspirational defensive figure, lobbed a free-kick from the centre circle into the Salthill penalty area, and Kevin Ryan rose brilliantly to head the ball into the net. Celtic dominated the first half for the most part with Kevin Ryan and Fintan McHale having further chances to increase the margin. Of the two, McHale's was the most clear-cut, utilising his strength and pace to get around central defender, Declan Sheridan. Salthill goalkeeper, Niall Costello, came swiftly off his line to block McHale's attempt. Salthill always looked threatening in possession. They sprayed the ball around with purpose and method, and began to penetrate with greater zeal as the half drew to a close. They went close to snatching an equaliser before half-time when James Walsh forced a good stop from Celtic goalkeeper, Declan Kilkelly, following a corner-kick. But Walsh was rewarded for his patience and persistence in the early moments of the second half when, following a lightening attack, he skilfully stabbed the ball into the Celtic net. It was the start of an exhilarating period in which four more goals were scored during a ten-minute blitz. Castlebar were back on top within four minutes, however. Kenny Hyland produced a glorious run through the middle before feeding Keith Burke who curled the ball with his left-foot over the head of Salthill goalkeeper, Niall Costello. Then, almost instantly, Salthill equalised again. A superbly executed free-kick by Shane Fitzgerald crashed off a post, and big centre-half Donal Murray was perfectly positioned to knock the rebound into the net. UNCERTAIN DEFENDING Celtic restored their lead in the 60th minute, Keith Burke brilliantly snatching his second goal by powering a free-kick over the defensive wall into the net. Goalkeeper Costello managed to get two touches to the ball, but he failed to keep it out. The home side paid the price for uncertain defending six minutes later when right-full Ollie Cunningham played Declan Sheridan on-side, and the Salthill ace made no mistake.. Some of the tackling was tough and unyeilding in the closing stages, and Salthill's Donal Murray and Celtic's Kevin Ryan, both of whom had been booked earlier, were lucky to stay on the pitch following a late exchange between them. The replay has been fixed for Saturday next at Millar's Lane, Salthill, but the kick-off time has not yet been confirmed. In terms of passion and commitment, Celtic's prospects cannot be ruled out, but they have made the tie very difficult for themselves. On this evidence, however, their prospects look fairly good for the season. Castlebar Celtic: D. Kilkelly, O. Cunningham, S. Reilly, K. Murphy, D. Conway, K. Hyland, D. Lawless, S. Murphy, K. Burke, K. Ryan, F. McHale. Sub used: P. Neary. Salthill Devon: N. Costello, R. Sherlock, D. Morahan, D. Murray, D. Sheridan, H. O'Lochlainn, D. Silke, G. Mullen, J. Walsh, S. Cox, S. Fitzgerald. Ref: J. Blake (Castlebar). * Star Rating: Keith Burke. . .clinical finisher.
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