Celtic comeback spoiled by Roses

Mullingar Celtic 2 - 3 Rosenallis

Anyone present in Gainstown on Sunday morning last will wonder how the home side, Mullingar Celtic, did not get something from this game as they came from two goals down to draw level on 81 minutes and then gave away the winner with virtually the last kick of the game.

Celtic dominated for long periods and despite being short of many regulars had enough ball to win any game but overplaying at times and indeed lady luck did not favour them and in fairness to Rosenallis, they punished them accordingly. Two softly conceded goals put them on the back foot in the first half and despite having the lion’s share of possession Celtic simply could not convert. Two well taken goals from Dean Scully and Shane Farrell got them on level terms but instead of going for the jugular they sat back a little and received the ultimate punishment which they scarcely deserved.

Rosenallis opened the brighter with a couple of early half chances while a slide-rule Dean Scully ball almost got David McNamee in for Celtic. However, a needlessly conceded corner was poorly defended by the home side and Jack Friel headed Rosenallis in front in the eighth minute for the softest of goals. Celtic looked stunned by that but slowly they upped the tempo with Scully going close on three occasions and Gearóid Sheridan unable to find a finish to a super run. They were punished for their paucity when a rare Rosenallis foray into their half was not dealt with and after Dylan Cannon denied Peter Doyle, Charlie Friel slotted home a second for the visitors on 40 minutes.

Scully almost pulled one back with a super strike from range but Celtic went in two down at the break, slightly shell shocked and after playing the better football overall.

After the restart the home side upped the ante considerably with Gearóid Sheridan and Cian Farrell attacking from the back and forcing Rosenallis into a rear-guard action, but as in the first half, the final ball or that bit of a break never fell their way. They were fortunate not to concede a third when Charlie Friel missed a sitter. It was the catalyst Celtic needed and after sub Glen Coffey went close, Stephen Nally found Wayne Kelly who was denied by the goalie, but Dean Scully was on hand to tap in and it was now game on.

Rory Matthews went into goal and Dylan Cannon came out the field; his incisive long-range balls began to cause mayhem in the opposition defence but the final touch or strike was evading Celtic and Rosenallis almost caught them on the break an at least two occasions.

But when all seemed lost Coffey and Wayne Kelly worked the ball from the left side; Kelly crossed and Cian Farrell nodded superbly into the corner of the net for the leveller on 81 minutes.

Celtic looked destined to win it but they dipped considerably in the last 10 minutes and Rosenallis had a couple of really good chances before a ball that should have been cleared twice managed to fall to Charlie Friel, who was on his own and he slotted the winner.

With the game in added time, Celtic simply had no time to answer and fell to what was an unfortunate defeat in a very winnable game.

Scorers - Rosenallis: Charlie Friel (2) Peter Doyle 1.

Mullingar Celtic: Dean Scully, Cian Farrell.

Mullingar Celtic: Dylan Cannon, Gearóid Sheridan, Ricky Scally, Cian Farrell, Colm Baker, Joe Doyle, Pauric McCoombe, Stephen Nally, Wayne Kelly, Dean Scully and David McNamee. Subs: Johnny Mee for McCoombe (24 mins), Glen Coffey for Scally (56 mins), Rory Matthews for Nally (77 mins).

Rosenallis: Jimmy Hyland, Gerard Glancy, Anthony Gorman, Shane Farrell, Jack Friel, Alex Marron, Peter Doyle, John Dunne, Charlie Friel, Niall Doolin and Aaron Long. Sub: James Walsh for Long (49 mins).

Referee: Willie Stokes.