Castlebar Celtic C 3 - 0 Snugboro United

Welcome Inn Hotel Division 2A

                           Celtic Park - 21st August 2004

This local derby lived up to its billing as both teams gave it their all in a highly entertaining encounter.  Celtic had to make two changes from the team that defeated Ballyheane B and Castlebar United in their last two games.  Kevin Boyle and Declan Gibbons were unavailable for the game, and were replaced by Sean Walsh and Tom Gruddy.  Celtic knew that a win would secure second spot and started brightly.

The first half was littered with chances for both sides.  Celtic’s Jamie Carr blasted over from four yards out, while Snugboro’s best chance fell to winger Dara Duffy who came close with a curling free kick.

Celtic broke the deadlock five minutes before half time.  The opener was all about the aerial ability of Robert Moore.  Brian McLoughlin went on a mazy run before crossing for Moore, who powered a brilliant header off the under side of the crossbar, where strike partner Jamie Carr was on hand to tap into the net.

Celtic did not have to wait long before they doubled their lead.  A good move involving Tom Gruddy and Padraig Moran who put Jamie Carr through on goal and he chipped the ball over the advancing Snugboro keeper to register his second.

The second half was hard fought, with right-back Declan Lavelle and Aiden Gill in the Celtic goal particularly impressive.  Gill was outstanding throughout.  He made two vital saves in the space of five minutes for Celtic.  The first a point-blank header by Snugboro’s Brian O’Reilly, which was tipped onto the underside of the crossbar.  Minutes later a goal-bound Gerry McDonnell free kick was acrobatically turned round the post.

Jamie Carr had a one on one with the Snugboro keeper, which just shaved the post. However, a minute later he was to make amends and score his second hat trick for the club.  A fine through ball by Sean Walsh was seized upon by Carr, who rounded the keeper and slotted home.  The goal effectively killed the game off as a contest.  Overall, it was a great team effort from Celtic and the victory was well deserved.

Celtic’s last game is away to league leaders Inver.  The winner of this contest will be crowned champions.  Best of luck to manager Brian Healy and the lads.

Castlebar Celtic C: Aiden Gill, Declan Lavelle, Chris McNulty, Ritchie Berkley, Mick McDermott, Tom Gruddy, Padraig Moran, Sean Walsh, Brian McLouglin, Rob Moore, Jamie Carr.

Subs: Tony Murray for Chris McNulty, Ian Burke for Rob Moore, Kevin Ryan for Padraig Moran.