McLoughlin bags treble for Mell Celtic side

January 1975

MELL Celtic continued their recent good run when they easily defeated Laytown 8-2 in the Bendal Cup.

Mell conceded home advantage to Laytown as their pitch was unplayable but were still far too strong for the local eleven.

Celtic attacked from the start and took the lead in the 12th minute when J. McLoughlin shot home after a good run. The same player increased their lead 10 minutes later. Celtic’s lead was reduced when their left full, M. Byrne, headed into his own goal.

Laytown were on top for a short period after this until P. Cunningham increased Mell’s lead with a fine left footed volley. Then T. Dunne further increased the lead just before half time leaving the interval score 4-1 in Mell’s favour.

On the resumption Mell continued to dominate and went further ahead with goals from T. Dunne and J. McLoughlin before Laytown scored from the spot. Mell then substituted B, McDonnell for T. Dunne, who scored with his first touch of the ball when he capitalised on a mistake by the Laytown keeper.

P. Hall rounded off the scoring five minutes from time when he ran on to a fine through ball and shot past the advancing home keeper.

This was a good all round performance by Mell and on the day were well served by J. McLoughlin (who scored a fine hat-trick). C.McKenna, P. Cunningham, P. Connor and B. McDonnell who came on in the second half.