All square in Mullingar derby
Mullingar Athletic’s second string played out a 1-1 draw with town rivals Mullingar Celtic in a CCFL Division 3B clash at Gainstown on Sunday morning last, writes Jason Keelan.
Both Mullingar teams entered this local derby on the back of 6-2 victories in their last games. Both were also looking to keep pace with Kinnegad Juniors at the top.
It was the home side who dominated early in the cold. Shots by Matty Rooney and Tadhg Nolan showed their desire going forward. Bobby Archibold controlled around the middle for Athletic, and only some poor control, as well as saves from Colm Baker, kept them out.
Celtic’s first shot took more than ten minutes to come, with Dean Scully firing wide. Three minutes later, Celtic lost possession out wide before the ball eventually dropped to the hard-working Archibold, who rifled his shot to the roof of the net from just outside the penalty spot. It was no more than Athletic deserved.
From there, they continued to control possession with Daniel Chukwuemeka proving to be a very willing runner down the left channel.
Just before the half hour mark, Ross Clinton dribbled his way around two Celtic defenders, but Tommy Geoghegan redeemed himself, making a crucial tackle before the Athletic man could pull the trigger.
Scully had a couple of half-chances as the away side slowly found their feet. Opportunities at both ends came soon after. First, Rooney was denied by Baker before Ian Keelan’s left foot strike grazed the crossbar at the other end.
Celtic then swapped Keelan and Ryan Dempsey to boost their attacking threat before the break. Moments later, the ball fell to Scully outside the area. He muscled his way past two Athletic defenders before driving his shot to the corner past the despairing Colgan in goals, and the sides were level.
The second half was minutes old when Athletic broke down the pitch from a clearance, and but for a superb tackle from Shane Keena it could have been a different story. Celtic withdrew goalscorer Scully and James Stenson soon after.
Things changed instantly as they pressed the Athletic kickout and forced a shift in style on both sides. However, Athletic were soon awarded a penalty after Clinton was adjudged to have been fouled. Goalkeeper Colgan came forward, but saw his effort saved well by Baker.
Mohamid Hamid and Chukwuemeka continued to look lively for Athletic, while Dempsey and Keelan looked to find space on their wings. Athletic looked like finding joy down the middle, and but for two fantastic interventions by Dylan Cannon they could have been through on goal in numbers.
Both sides continued to push for a winning goal but other than half chances, the game appeared to be headed for stalemate. Cannon was replaced for Celtic after giving a strong performance. Clinton, likewise, was substituted for Athletic after showing his skilful footwork throughout.
The final heart-in-mouth moment came with ten minutes to go when a shot by the ever-willing Tadhg Nolan was spilled by Baker, but the rebound trickled just past the post.
Celtic’s final sniff at goal came after some wonderful skills in midfield from substitute Colin Lynch. He found Dempsey, a man who was on the receiving end of many fouls all game, but his shot went over from the edge.
Mullingar Athletic ‘B’: Alan Colgan, Tadhg Nolan, Daniel Chukwuemeka, Hetar Navaro, Dylan McDonnell, Ben Shaw, Bobby Archibold, Daithí Ó Mairtín, Matty Rooney, Ross Clinton, Mohamid Hamid. Subs: Kelan Behan for Clinton (66), Shane Daly for Ó Máirtín (85), Patrick Sweeney for Hamid (88).
Mullingar Celtic: Colm Baker, Stephen Nally, Shane Keena, Dylan Cannon, Tommy Geoghegan, Joe Doyle, Ian Keelan, Johnny Mee, James Stenson, Dean Scully, Ryan Dempsey. Subs: Ben Walsh for Stenson (51), Ciaran Shanley for Scully (51), Gearóid Sheridan for Doyle (63), Colin Lynch for Mee (72), Dylan Cannon for McEntee (77).
Ref: Gary Bridges.