Celtic Bhoys too strong for struggling Ballysillan
The NAFL Division 2C,
League match,
Venue: Ballyhornan, Saturday 4th May 2024,
Final Score: Celtic Boys 11 2 Ballysillan Swifts.
With four games left this season, Celtic Bhoys should be on course for promotion to Division 2B after their overpowering win over Ballysillan at Ballyhornan at the weekend writes Cyril McKinney.
The only challenge Celtic Bhoys face they are likely to encounter is from Cregagh Wanderers FC who are currently a game played more than them and are lagging by 4 points in the league table. B
But Celtic have three relatively easy matches ahead as well as the final dust-up against Cregagh.
Only a disaster of epic proportions will stop Celtic from gaining promotion.
Ballysillan Swifts made the long journey to Ballyhornan on Saturday and were overpowered by a rampant home Celtic Bhoys home side closing off a league title in the NAFL Division 2C.
Celtic Boys were the more sharper side right from the first whistle and were ahead on 5 minutes through a well taken goal from Conail Kerr.
Ballysillan got back on level terms with a good reply on 15 minutes after a defensive slip allowed Haddock free on the left wing and his cross found the Ballysillan number 15 to finish at close range.
That seemed to waken up the giants… the home side came to life, and a Mikey Rice header was mishandled to the net by the keeper a minute later to restore the Celtic lead.
Celtic’s Sean Ferris struck again on 16 minutes followed by another great goal on 26 minutes to effectively kill of the game before Sean McMahon made it 5-1 on 34 minutes.
Ballysillan simply had no answer to Celtic Bhoys pressure and sharpness at this stage. It was a real mismatch
The second half was more of the same and the goals kept coming.
Conaill Kerr scored his second on 58 minutes then sub Aidy Connolly scored a great goal just three minutes after coming on after 61 minutes.
Jordan Curran got on the scoresheet from the penalty spot on 70 minutes.
Ballysillan got some reward for their endeavours when captain Curtis Crockard scored from close in taking advantage of hesitation in the home defence on 77 minutes.
But then it became the Sean Ferris show as he scored three goals on 76, 85and 89 minutes taking his goal tally for the afternoon to 5.
All-in-all-all it was a solid performance from the home side and although they scored 11 it could have been more but for some great saves by keeper Thomas Barkley in the Ballysillan nets.
To be fair Ballysillan Swifts who are looking at relegation this season although outclassed kept trying to play their game but could not match Celtic Boys in any department.
Celtic Boys: Stephen Moore, Corey McCartan, Matthew McKee, Blaine Connolly, Mikey Rice, Jordan Curran, Sean Ferris, Michael Burns, Conaill Kerr, Sean McMahon, Jay Gibney Subs: Paul Brady for Michael Burns, Aidan Connolly for Sean McMahon
Ballysillan Swifts: Thomas Barkley, Andrew Rossborough, Ryan Barrow, n/a, Daniel Clarke, n/a, Thomas Clarke, Curtis Crockard, n/a, Daniel Haddock. Subs: Andrew Craig, Adam McElnea, Ryan Glover.
