The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Falvey goal swings derby Celtic’s way
DENNY PREMIER A Killarney Celtic 1 Killarney Athletic 0
THERE is never much between these two sides in big Killarney derbies and this much anticipated clash was another very tight affair with a single goal good enough to win it for Celtic and put them into the Premier A final.
It is a big setback for Athletic in their efforts to try and win back to back league titles but all is not lost yet and there are still a few key games to be played.
It was a favourable result for Dingle Bay Rovers as now their destiny is in their own hands as if they can obtain 7 points in their final three games they will be in the decider.
Games of this nature are often won by a bit of individual skill or magic and that is what transpired in this game with a goal of stunning quality by left full back Brendan Falvey winning the game for Celtic
This big game fell well short of expectations as it was a scrappy foul ridden game where scoring chances were very few and far between.
Players did not get much time to settle on the ball as tackles were coming in fast and furious with Celtic trying to perfect their passing game while Athletic were playing a one dementional route one game with all their set pieces being delivered high into the box trying to find the head of the very influential Mike O’Donoghue.
However the Celtic defence dealt with everything that came their way and keeper Michael Gusitfar displayed a very safe pair of hands catching everything in the air comfortably even under pressure.
From a territorial point of view Celtic were on top but they were finding it hard to break down a strong Athletic defence.
It took 15 minutes for the first serious chance and it came to Athetic when Aidan O’Mahony got on to the end of a William Courtney corner kick and his shot from just outside the box was just over the top. Celtic then fashioned a chance with Conor McCarthy linking up with Cathal O’Shea who laid the ball off to Danny Roche but his shot did not have enough power to bother the Athletic Brian O’Connor goalie who made a comfortable save. Celtic had a good chance to go ahead in the 33rd minute when Cathal O’Shea won the ball on the wing and created space for Wayne Spar- ling who crossed the ball into the box for the inrushing Conor McCarthy but his volley went over the top.
The goal that won the game came in the 40th minute after a bit of footwork trickery by Peter McCarthy unhinged the Athletic defence and with the Athletic goalie off his line he got past him and centered the ball and it was scrambled out for a corner kick.
Celtic caught Athletic napping with the corner kick taking it quickly with Cathal O’Shea tapping it to Wayne Sparling whose cross was blocked out to Brendan Falvey and he turned on his thrusty left foot and he curled a delicious low shot past the Athletic keeper giving his side a crucial lead just before the interval.
Tempers got frayed a bit in the second half and referee Ray Mathews had to flash a few yellow cards to keep things in check.
Danny Roche had a couple of half chances for Celtic early in the second half but he was unable to test the Athletic keeepr.
Athletic put a good move together on the hour mark with Shane Lynch playing the ball wide to Jamie Doolan who tried to pick out Mike O’Donoghue but the ball was gathered safely by Michael Gustifar.
As the half progressed both sides began to use their benches but scoring chances were at a premium.
Celtic had claims for a penalty when Danny Roche seemed to be taken down while a close in effort by Peter McCarthy clipped the post.
The game was still delicately poised entering the concluding stages with Athletic doing their utmost to try and engineer an equaliser but it never looked like coming with the Celtic defence on top and they were very deserving winners at the end.
They can now sit back and wait to see what emerges between Athletic and Dingle in their final few games.
KILLARNEY CELTIC: Michael Gustifar, Michael Devlin, John McDonagh, Chris Brady, Brendan Falvey, Gary Keane, Conor McCarthy (Pa McGrath, 66 min), Wayne Sparling, Peter McCarthy, Cathal O’Shea, (Jamie Spillane, 78 min), Danny Roche.
KILLARNEY ATHLETIC: Brian O’Connor, Ryan Carroll, Adam Moynihan, Aidan O’Mahony, Cillian O’Regan, Sean Cournane (Mike Milner 85, mins), Jamie Doolan (Paudie Clifford, 62 mins), Mike O’Donoghue, Shane Lynch, Jamie Doolan, William Courtney (Lucas Polak, 77 min).