Drama as Celtic fight back to claim penalty shootout win
Mullingar Celtic 2, Clonaslee Utd 2 (Celtic win 4-3 on penalties)
In a bitingly cold Gainstown on Sunday morning last, Mullingar Celtic defied the odds and the elements to record a thrilling victory after penalties against a very capable Clonaslee United.
Celtic, without several regulars, were simply not in a mood to give way and despite sustaining serious pressure at times and going behind twice, they fought valiantly to the final minute of normal time where they equalised almost with the last play of the game and when penalties arrived, one always felt that the Mullingar men were somehow destined to win. In a dramatic finale, substitute Jamie Tarleton scored their final spot kick while Ger O’Reilly blasted over the bar and slightly against the odds, Celtic had battled their way manfully to a memorable win.
The opening exchanges were dominated by the visitors with Cian Callaghan and Niall Hogan going close for Clonaslee and Celtic goalie Rory Matthews pulling off a string of fine stops and Celtic struggling to clear at times. Cian Callaghan had two more efforts for United while Matthews made another super stop before Celtic lost the ball in midfield. Clonaslee broke at pace and Robert Downey struck a beauty from long range to open the scoring on 24 minutes.
Ironically it was Celtic who upped their game at that point and when Mark Hickey was fouled on the edge of the box, Keith Hope netted brilliantly from the resultant free kick and it was all square again on 29 minutes. Matthews was almost unbeatable in goal for Celtic and kept them at bay, but could not prevent Robert Downey scoring a second for United seven minutes before the break and they held that advantage after being the better team in the first half.
Celtic upped their game on the restart and took the fight to their opponents with Dean Scully and Hope going close, but they were leaving themselves exposed at the back and can be thankful to Matthews for keeping them just one behind with some super goalkeeping. The capable 'keeper twice denied James McRedmond when he looked certain to double the lead to Celtic in contention. Ten minutes of sustained pressure proved unfruitful and they also lost influential winger Ryan Dempsey to injury and all looked lost, but in the 52nd minute of the second half they drew a corner and a super delivery from Hope was met quite superbly by a header from Dean Scully and flew to the corner of the net. That meant the 90 minutes ended all square.
Extra-time was instantly forgettable with neither side looking like they would score and half chances were dealt with, but in the second period Clonaslee looked in on goal to win it only for Gearoid Sheridan to pull off a superb tackle and clear the danger. After a major scare for Celtic, the game now headed for spot kicks.
Matthews saved from Downey and Josh Flynn blasted over for Clonaslee, while Scully scored and sub Richie Healy was denied for Celtic. Clonaslee scored their next three, while Hickey and McNicholas scored for Celtic, but Colin Baker's effort was saved, so it went to sudden death. Jamie Tarleton scored a beauty for Celtic while United captain Ger O’Reilly blasted over. It meant that after 110 minutes plus penalties, it was Celtic who had won the day through sheer guts, defiance and a never say die spirit.
Scorers - Mullingar Celtic: Keith Hope (29 mins), Dean Scully (95 mins).
Clonaslee United: Robert Downey (24 mins and 38 mins).
Mullingar Celtic: Rory Matthews, Cian Farrell, Gearoid Sheridan, Dean McNicholas, Colm Baker, Johnny Mee, Mark Hickey, Keith Hope, Dean Scully, Joe Doyle and Ryan Dempsey subs: Richie Healy for Mee 60 mins, Jamie Tarleton for Dempsey 90mins
Clonaslee United: Cian Culleton, Jack Conroy, Niall Hogan, Oisin Keating, Ger O’Reilly, Josh Flynn, Paddy Hyland, Cian Callaghan, Robert Downey, James McRedmond and Ryan Kilroe subs: Paddy Purcell for Hogan 60 mins, Shane McCann for Conroy 62 mins, Joe Conroy for Kilroe 85 mins
Referee: Ray Conlon.