Celtic Bhoys Into Quarter Finals Of Junior Shield

Clonduff beaten by a stronger Celtic Bhoys side with plenty more under their belts

ToalsBet.com Junior Shield Round 5,

Venue: Ballyhornan 3G: on Saturday 11 1 25

Final Score: Celtic Bhoys 3 0 Clonduff.

Celtic Bhoys went into top gear from the whistle and did not give their opponents much of a chance through the game as they attacked relentlessly writes Jim Masson.

The Hoops are still in the Cochrane Corey Cup in R4 against Cregagh Wanderers in February and next match up this coming Saturday when they play in Round 2 of the Clarence Cup is away to Groomsport. This season they have not been beaten yet and are looking in great form.

But in their match last Saturday, it is was Clonduff who made a quick eaRLY break at the Celtic goal and Jordan Robinson almost got the ball past Stephen Moore on a one-to-one confrontation on two minutes, but Moore just managed to get a second bite at the ball in the wet conditions and secured it.

Then on the 5th minute, Shaun Megahey put Celtic Bhoys a goal ahead breaking in from the left and rifling the ball into the Clonduff net.

And on the restart Conail Kerr and Jordan McCoubrey and almost worked their way to the goal again for what looked like number two for Celtic in a quick attack but keeper Adam Keatley just managed to block it.

Celtic Bhoys in celebration mode as they take control of the game against Clonduff.
(Photos by Jim Masson/Down News©).

Celtic had established their stamp of authority on the match early on and Clonduff were faced with a steady stream of pressure with only occasional breaking opportunities.

But the Celtic pressure paid off and from a corner and Clonduff defender Adam Hamilton lost control and gave away an own goal on 15 minutes.

Clonduff attempted a fight back on a couple of occasions but the Celtic back line was solid.

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Kerr enjoyed a couple of good runs at the Clonduff goal and on one occasion keeper Keatley just came out sharp enough to narrow is angle for what would have ben a certain goal.

Then Peter Casey took a corner on the left and the low curving ball cut through the pack of players in the goalmouth and found its way in the net at the back post putting Celtic 3-0 in the 25th minute.

Sean Ferris pushing the Clonduff defence in the second half.

The weather conditions were very cold and rain came down in showers and that may have dampened play a bit, and the goal spree that some expected never materialised, but on a better day the players would have gone for it. They seemed to settle on their lead and never-the-less still pressed forward giving Clonduff countless headaches.

In the second half Sean Ferris came on as sub first, then Jarleth Branagan followed by Caoimhin Groves all getting a run out to stretch their legs and enjoying some game time.

Celtic did keep up the pressure on Clonduff in the second period and in the end the scoreline did not change but could have been 8-0 if accuracy was a little bit sharper and the crossbar was hit at least twice and volleys scraped the posts on a number of occasions. And keeper Keatley made a few fine saves which eased the pain for the visitors.

Jarleth Branagan kept up the pressure when he came on as a sub attacking the Clonduff goal.

Overall Celtic Bhoys will be pleased with the result but they know the matches ahead in the quarter final stages will be tighter and there be less room for missed opportunities as they face more hungry opponents in the last eight.

It is difficult to single out any player of the match for Celtic as they all played their hearts out individually and as a team. If Celtic continue with this form then they are in with a chance, but there’s many a slip twixt cup and lip and the Celtic management will be keeping a close eye on the team in the weeks ahead.

Action in the clash between Celtic Bhoys and Clonduff.

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Celtic Bhoys: 1 Stephen Moore 2 Shaun Megahey 3 Eamon Gargan 4 Peter Turley 5 Michael Rice (C) 6 Jordan Curran 7 Corey McCartan 8 Peter Casey 9 Jordan McCoubrey 10 Conail Kerr 11 Gerard Collins. Subs: 11 Caoimhin Groves 14 Sean Ferris 15 Jarlath Branagan 16 Jay Gibney.

Clonduff: 1 Adam Keatley (GK) 2 Kingston Whiteside 3 Kurtis Irvine 4 Adam Hamilton 5 Lloyd Lorimer 6 Daryl Finlay (C) 7 Jonathan Bowes 8 Jack Gilmour 9 Andrew Edgington 10 Jason Dickey 11 Jordan Robinson. Subs: 12 Gareth Ryan 14 Thomas Sharp 16 Blayne Scarborough