Termonfeckin Celtic back on right track
TERMONFECKIN Celtic put their poor Kilmessan Shield form to one side as Manny Smith’s team got their Division 2 league season under way with a win away to Enfield Celtic.
The visitors started brightly and had the best of the early exchanges. On 29 minutes centre-half Aaron Walsh picked up the ball inside his own half and ran direct through the Enfield midfield.
A delightful one-two with striker Donal Carr at the edge of the box allowed Walsh to produce a composed finish to give the seasiders the lead.
Termonfeckin attacked through the wide channels and Ciaran Hartnett on the right wing was very industrious with several shots from distance, but Smith’s team were struggling to open up the Enfield defence and create any further clear opportunities.
Then, from a well-worked Enfield free kick, Anthony Magee pulled off a fantastic save, making a point-blank stop to keep his team in the lead.
With the wind and rain continuing, Termonfeckin doubled their lead on 40 minutes when cClub captain Andy Hand sent a ball in from the left wing to Fola Oki who made no mistake with the finish.
Enfield did manage to beat Magee just 60 seconds later. Right from the restart they moved the ball downfield before scoring, with a lapse in concentration gifting the hosts an easy finish.
This goal gave Enfield momentum as the second half started with the same high tempo and intensity as the first.
Termonfeckin spurned a couple of opportunities to extend their lead, with Aaron Walsh goettingon the end of a couple of set pieces but just missing the target.
Enfield started to apply the pressure and fresh legs from the bench made it a nervous last 20 minutes. Magee was forced into a fine back-post save following a deep cross that fell to the feet of the onrushing Enfield winger.
The midfield pairing of James Younger Hobbs and Chris Smith worked relentlessly to break up the Enfield creativity.
Abubakar Cisse was brought on up front and he almost put the result beyond doubt after beating two defenders from a through-ball, only to be denied by a good save.
Despite some late pressure Termonfeckin held out for the win and manager Manny Smith will be delighted with the result and the manner of the performance. TERMONFECKIN CELTIC: Anthony Magee, Jack Bohill, Ciaran McBride, Paul Flanagan, Aaron Walsh, Ciaran Hartnett, Donal Carr, Fola Oki, Andrew Hand, Chris Smith, James Younger-Hobbs, Subs: Tadhg Gallagher, Brandon Kelly, Abubakar Cisse, Darren Rice.