K.D.L. Killarney Celtic 4 Killarney Athletic 0

Kerry District League
Killarney Celtic 4 Killarney Athletic 0

The seniors got their season off to a disappointing start but despite Celtic being dominant for long periods and looking the sharper of the two teams, there were still signs of hope for the future.
The first ten minutes were hectic with Celtic setting the pace and they deservedly hit the front on 12 minutes through a close-range finish from Peter McCarthy after a sweeping move. David Gleeson and Rory O’ Sullivan combined in an effort to find a way through but the direct approach was fodder for makeshift centre-half Gary Keane in the Celtic rearguard. Brian O’ Connor, in the Athletic goal, kept Celtic at bay but even he was saved by the woodwork after Stephen Hayes did everything right to send the ball curling towards the net. Being a goal down seemed to lift the lads and they threatened through Denis Galvin, Lukas Polak, Martin Crowley and Adam Moynihan. Keane and co. were up to the task however and with Padraig O’ Connor and John McDonagh running midfield, a second goal looked likely. Gary Moynihan, Conor Farrell and Timmy O’ Sullivan showed good form though to keep Celtic out, but Athletic were fortunate to be only one down at the interval.
The second half began with Celtic again in control but their wasteful tendencies, combined with the solid efforts of Timmy O’ Sullivan, kept them out until the 57th minute. Alan Nagle, defending well, began a move which resulted in the in-form McCarthy plundering number two. Then, Anthony O’ Leary ventured forward from the back to finish number three to the net after a fine run and the game ended as a contest. Undeterred, Athletic plugged away and Galvin, supported by Mike Milner and Polak, gave it all in search of a consolation goal. These efforts left gaps and Celtic’s Tadhg Moore claimed the fourth with 6 minutes left.
The scoreline suggests a bad day at the office but the “never say die” attitude combined with an improvement in fitness and form over the course of the season should see the lads back at the top table before long.
Best for Athletic were Brian O’ Connor, Timmy O’ Sullivan, Gary Moynihan, Conor Farrell, Mike Milner and Denis Galvin who never gave up.
 

This entry was posted on Sunday, August 29th, 2010 at 7:24 pm and is filed under Club Notes.