Sun. 8th January 2006

LFA Leinster Junior Shield

BBC United (Broadford, Kildare)  2    Castleknock Celtic   4

Having only learned of the fixture on Saturday morning, Celtic were left with very little time to prepare for this trip to Mother Hubbard country in North Kildare.  But Eddie O'Callaghan, who had suffered a sad personal loss on Sunday morning when his sister-in-law passed away, was left with the unenviable task of assembling his troops, and though down some of his regular players, they were ready for the fray at 2pm on Sunday afternoon.  

Celtic were quickly into their stride, and were in front after only 2 minutes.  A mishit clearance was seized upon by Adam O'Callaghan for the first of his 4-goal salvo, which is the second time he has performed this feat this season.  United struck back on 10 minutes, when Darren Loughrey slotted home, to leave it 1-1.

Ian Martyniak, who has broken into the side in recent weeks, won the ball in the middle of the park on 35 minutes, and he laid it on for Adam to hit his second.  Half-time 2-1 to Celtic.

It was even-steven early on in the second half.  However, after 10 minutes, Weh Tauway was taken down in the box, and it was Adam who chalked up his hat-trick from the resultant penalty kick.  Weh's brother, Garga, had earlier taken off a superb save to keep Celtic 2-1 in front.

On 60 minutes, BBC were awarded a dubious decision, and cruelly, the resultant corner was headed home by David Bergin to make it 2-3. Celtic maintained the pressure on the home side and created multiple chances.  Finally, Garga launched a long ball down field, which was headed on by his brother Weh to Adam O'Callaghan, who rifled home his fourth. 

Gary Ryan, BBC's keeper, who was given the man of the match award, was excellent and was responsible for keeping the visitors down to four goals.

This was a great performance by the Celtic team that had the absolute minimum of preparation for this very important game.  But their application to training over the Christmas break and since the start of the season paid dividend, as they looked very sharp and got their reward with a 5th round place and must be serious contenders for this prestigious trophy.  The draw for the last 8 of the competition takes place next Thursday.

Finally, may we pass on our condolences to Eddie's family on their sad family loss.