Celtic reach last 32 of Cup

FAI JUNIOR CUP FIFTH ROUND (LAST 64)

Killarney Celtic 4 St Kevin’s Boys 1

KILLARNEY Celtic are renowned for producing the goods on the big stage and they did this again in emphatic fashion at Celtic Park on Sunday afternoon when they booked their place in the last 32 of the FAI Junior Cup after an absolutely brilliant win over formidable Dublin side St Kevins Boys.

While they came into this game as underdogs they threw the form book out the window with a dazzling performance before a packed house that made their more illustrious opponents look an ordinary side with a great display of passion pride and exuberance that the Dublin side could not cope with.

Right from the very outset Celtic operated in top gear chasing every ball as if their life depended on it and closing down opponents quickly every time they gained possession.

They restricted their opponents to very few scoring opportunities over the 90 minutes passed the ball about with great precision defended sensibly when they had to and won the game with a fair degree of ease.

Gary and Matt Keane lorded proceedings in the middle of the pitch while Wayne Sparling and Danny Roche were causing havoc down the wings with scintillating runs which repeatedly carved openings in the St Kevins Boys defence.

After dominating early exchanges Celtic almost opened their account in the ninth minute but Wayne Sparling and Lee Downing were denied by a couple of great saves by the Kevin Boys goalkeeper Darragh O’Neill.

Three minutes later Matt Keane and Gary Keane combined to create a chance for Danny Roche and his headed effort was only inches wide.

Another chance came in the 17th minute and Stephen McCarthy low shot shaved the right hand post.

Then the visitors hit on the counter attack with Keith Rooney making a great run from midfield but his shot from just outside the box was comfortably saved by Celtic keeper Roy Kelliher.

Another attack produced a corner kick which was floated into the box by Ciaran Doyna finding Graham Rayner and he shot narrowly wide from 10 yards.

As Celtic intensified their attacking play they got the reward their endeavor merited in the 43rd minute after being awarded a free kick out near half way.

It was delivered right into the goalmouth by Stephen O’Mahony and was controlled delightfully on his chest by Stephen McCarthy who waved his web of magic to leave a defender stranded and he drilled the ball low to the bottom corner of the net.

This was a great tonic for Celtic just before the break and they must have been very pleased with their first half performance.

They took complete control of the game in the second half leaving their opponents chasing shadows at times.

Matt Keane spurned a great chance in the 51st minute while Lee Downing found the side netting when he should have hit the target.

A defensive mix up at the back cost the visitors dearly in the 59th minute and Wayne Sparling capitalized scoring from close range.

The 3rd goal came in the 75th minute after great build up play down the left wing Danny Roche delivered a great cross to the inrushing Matt Keane and he powered a great header to the back of the net.

Now Celtic manager Brian Spillane began to use his bench but they were still pressing in search of goals.

Another goal came in 85th minute after persistent attaching sub Jarad Barton completed a great move by finding the net from 10 yards.

St Kevin’s Boys got a late consolation goal which was scored by Keith Rooney.

Overall it was an epic performance by Celtic who bossed the game from start to finish and played some great football in the process.

Now they anxiously away the last 32 draw hoping they get a home fixture.

This was the first big game of this nature for referee Tom Kerrisk and he done an excellent job. His assistants were Kevin Cunningham and John Ross also done very well.

KILLARNEY CELTIC: Roy Kelliher, Liam Spillane (Jordan Leahy, 85), Kevin O’Sullivan, John McDonagh, Stevie O’Mahony, Matt Keane, Wayne Sparling, Gary Keane, Stephen McCarthy (Ryan Kelliher, 77), Lee Downing (Padraig O’Connor 66) Danny Roche, (Jarad Barton, 80).

ST KEVIN’S BOYS: Darragh O’Neill, Kai Ali (Derek Cervy, 66), Adam Duffy, Luke Doyle (Ciaran King, 56), Lee Rogers, Steve Griffiths (Sean Lynch, 70), Graham Rayner, Sean Leawey (Aaron Dequiva, 76), Keith Rooney, Ciaran Doyna, Stephen Doyna.

REFEREE: Tom Kerrisk