McGinn’s treble for Mell Celtic men

October 1968

MELL Celtic continued their great run in the Leinster Junior League, Div. III. when, at the Phoenix Park on Sunday, they gained another great success this time over London United, hitherto unbeaten, by 4—2.

This was the best performance Mell have given since the season opened, playing a brilliant brand of football that London could not match. The match was a personal triumph for P. McGinn, the winners’ right-half, who scored all his side’s four goals, and while this was A tremendous team effort, O. Flood, the winners’ centre-half, was the outstanding player on the field.

Mell opened the scoring after ten minutes, when P. McGinn collected a half clearance, and from 20 yards found the net with a great drive.

Five minutes later London were level as, from a melee in Ihe goalmouth, the ball was forced over the line. Ten minutes from the interval, Mell went in front again, as from an indirect free kick on the edge of the penalty area Hackett passed to McGinn, to shoot his second goal.

Mell were content to rest on their lead in the second period, but were awakened by a shock equaliser in the 20th minute, a harmless looking lob that went over the crossbar, was adjudged by the referee to have gone under, and he awarded a goal.

Mell really got on top after this reverse and to the end there was only the one team, as McGinn put them ahead again from the penalty spot after a defender handled, and five minutes from time completed a great day’s work, when he shot his fourth goal after receiving From P. Campbell, following another indirect free.

Mell Celtic-Holt, Cluttcrbuck, Byrne, P. McGinn, Flood, J Campbell. F. McGinn, F. Hackett, Kearney, P. Campbell, V. Hackett Res.. J. McGinn.

In the Schoolboys’ League, Lourdes Boys’ Club gained another point (five out of possible six) when figuring in a 2—2 draw with Lourdes Celtic ( Dublin) at Balbriggan on Saturday. The Drogheda boys opened the scoring when McKenna netted, but two quick goals by Celtic left them 2—1 in front at the interval. Burke shot the equaliser after the change of ends and near the finish Matthews was very unlucky with a great effort.