Played in very windy conditions this morning our U14's put up a great fight against an experienced and well drilled Celtic side. The wind was like an extra man and Ballyhar had it at their backs for the first 35 mins. Keeper Eoin O'Mahony and his defence were busy but solid right from the start, keeping Celtic at bay. The ever industrious Anthony Cremin and John Henderson tried to create chances at the other end for Ballyhar but just never managed to trouble their keeper with the wind advantage. H/T 0-0
The 2nd half saw Celtic take control of proceedings early when a shot from outside the box swerved in the wind and ducked just under the outstretched arms of O'Mahony for the 1st goal. The keeper made some great saves throughout the game and frustrated the Celtic lads as best he could. Tom Costelloe and Jonathon Galvin worked tirelessly in the middle of the park in front of a busy Marcus Clifford and Jamie Quirke at centre back.
The conditions played a massive part in Celtics 2nd goal as the ball found it's way to the net straight from a corner aided by the strong breeze. Celtics 3rd came after a fine double save from O'Mahony but was eventually put away at the 3rd attempt. Henderson and Cremin both went on great runs during the half to try and claw a goal back but it just never came. Then 5 mins from time Celtic got their 4th and rightly advance to the next round of the Cup. Ballyhar will now go into a Shield/Plate playoff.