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C.R.B. F.C. (0) Naomh Padraig Celtic (5)
James O’Reilly (3)
Franci Fortune
Stephen Byrne
Sunday 3rd Sept. 2000, Phoenix Park
1. Gerry Kearns Subs: 12. Liam Nugent
2. Rioch Farrelly
3. Peter Doyle
4. Ciaran Burke
5. Keith Berrigan
6. Nigel Brothers (Capt)
7. Stephen Byrne
8. James O’Reilly
9. John Windsor
10. Franci Fortune
11. Darren Prizeman
With some notable absentees from the Naomh Padraig Celtic starting line-up due to holiday’s,
this was always going to be a very tough opening fixture. The most notable absentee was
that of regular centre-half Noel Flannery. New signing Jeff Gleeson was also missing for
the first game of the new season. New manager, Liam Nugent decided on a first eleven that
surprisingly did not include himself, although he has been the top goal-scorer for the
past two seasons.
The game started with an uneasiness from both teams. Neither side was able to command
possession and the first fifteen minutes was a scrappy affair with C.R.B. going closest to
opening the deadlock. The back-line of Rioch Farrelly, Ciaran Burke, Keith Berrigan and
Peter Doyle looked like it would take time to gel although they stood firm to deny their
opponents an easy ride. As always Keith Berrigan was a rock in the heart of the Celtic
defence.
After scoring a hat-trick in Celtic’s only pre-season game, James O’Reilly eased
the pressure somewhat when he stole in to put Celtic 1-0 up at the interval. O’Reilly
was impressive through-out and was good value for his, and Naomh Padraig Celtic’s,
first ever hat-trick in a competitive game. Franci Fortune who had been instrumental in
the Celtic engine room, hit an unstoppable 25 yard effort to put the result beyond doubt.
Debutant, Stephen Byrne’s performance must have impressed manager Liam Nugent even
more when he put himself on the score-sheet to round off a magnificent performance.
Man of the Match : James O’Reilly
Ciaran Burke ( Secretary ) Naomh Padraig Celtic Football Club.
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