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Castleknock Celtic will be wondering how they managed to lose this game at home in Porterstown. They seemed to have an abundance of possession and a number of chances, but at the end of the day, it was Parkvilla who emerged with the prize of a 5th round tie away in Cork. Make no mistake, this Navan side are a skilful unit and they had very effective frontmen, who were a handful for the home defence.

Celtic settled early and went close through Feargal Murphy, whose shot was blocked at the near post on 5 minutes. After 10 minutes, goalkeeper hero of the last round, Paul Stanley for Celtic, took off a brilliant save from Ciaran Coffey, the 'villa no.9, who is a boy of great potential. Coffey again went close on 25 minutes as the slick forward shot just wide. Minutes later, it was Celtic's chance to go ever so close, only to be foiled by a wonder save by the 'villa keeper, who took off a superlative save from Johnny Cooper, whose fierce shot was tipped over the bar. Then the action switched down the other end, and again Stanley stood firm, tipping the first effort onto a post, and then diving onto the loose ball as it rolled across the goal. It was being played at breakneck speed, end-to-end stuff. Johnny Cooper again went close on the half hour when he shot just wide. You must credit young Johnny for keeping the effort at full throttle despite not having any luck. On another day, he would have seen his efforts earn him the match ball. Half-time 0-0.

The second half was a quieter affair. Luc Cautley was proving very effective for Celtic with his tenacious tackling. Ciaran Cully was working tirelessly on the left side. Tom Lenihan was clearing all the loose ball in front of the back 4.

Johnny Cooper just missed his chance as he broke free from the big defender. Paul Stanley was again called into action on 12 minutes of the second half, taking off another fine save, this time from the no. 11, Shane Gillespie, and he repeated the feat on 15 minutes when he saved from centre forward, Coffey. The 'villa striker went perilously close on 20 minutes when his header was just over the crossbar.

As the game was drawing to a close, and extra time seemed a certainty, the day was transformed for Parkvilla. You would have to say that Celtic's mid-field seemed to be flagging, and when you start conceding possession in the middle of the park, you put unbearable pressure on your defence. The inevitable happened. Neil Jordan set up his team mate, Anthony Hewitt, who flicked over the advancing Stanley. And almost from the re-start, the ubiquitous Ciaran Coffey got the second, which gave 'villa a flattering scoreline. The game had been much closer than 2-0 result would suggest.

The Parkvilla squad and management were delighted that their trip down the N3 had been rewarding, and they greatly appreciated the hospitality of the home side, who put on tea and sandwiches for all. It was a fitting end for a very sporting contest which was enjoyed by the many spectators, who applauded the two sides as they left the field. Thanks to Peter Hoey and Jim Kennelly for the excellent cuisine!

Derek issues last minute guidance to his squad as they prepare for battle with Parkvilla in Porterstown