Annalong surprise Celtic in Bobby Dalzell Cup semi-finals

30 November 2016

IT was full metal jacket stuff all the way when holders Annalong edged out Celtic Bhoys on penalties after an enthralling Toals Bobby Dalzell Cup semi-final at Bear Park on Saturday.

Neither side gave an inch in a full-blooded cup classic, but heroics from Annalong goalkeeper John Sloan ensured Alan Henning’s side can now look forward to a Christmas final against Newcastle Swifts or Tollymore United.

Celtic, who had to shuffle their pack due to the absence of Jason Dagens, Shane Baggley, Joe Murphy, Caolan Boyd and Chris McDowell, couldn’t have asked for a better start.

There were barely two minutes on the clock when Michael Burns, who was with Ballynagross until the start of the season, skipped in from the right flank and played the ball across the face of the Annalong penalty box to Chris Mullan.

Celtic’s danger man was immediately closed down by Henning and Andrew Nugent, but a trademark dip of the shoulders helped him create a bit of space and before Annalong could react Mullan beat Sloan all ends up with a shot that bent and swerved on its way to the back of the net.

Four minutes later, Chris Perry carved Annalong wide open with a subtle pass into Mullan’s path, but he was denied when Sloan raced off his line to intercept the pass.

It was 1-1 after eight minutes as Annalong snapped back. Leslie Maybin did the damage out on the right flank and proceeded to put the ball on a plate for Ryan McMurray at the back post.

Sloan then saved twice in quick succession from Kerri Grant as Celtic put the boot to the board, but the respective defences held firm as chances dried up for a while.

With 38 minutes gone Jordan Curran picked out a Mullan run down the right, but his threatening, low cross was hacked to safety.

Four minutes later, Celtic had Annalong on the wrack, but Perry had his stinging shot blocked and when the ball landed at Grant’s feet, he fired wide from a good position.

Annalong made the better start to the second half and Nathan Curran had to be alert, preventing the dangerous McMurray from giving his side the lead.

Back came Celtic and with 50 minutes gone Mikey Rice had a deflected shot brilliantly saved by man of the match Sloan. Six minutes later the big custodian saved from Burns before B J McMenamin drilled the rebound wide.

With 60 minutes gone McMurray created an opening for Steven Burden, but he inexplicably shot wide from a great position.

McMurray, who was a real handful, then went it alone, but he too shot wide with the goal at his mercy. The lean striker had a great chance to redeem himself a few minutes later when Mark Newell played him in, but he was again off target.

As the 90 minutes drew to a close Gregory Forsythe played a delightful ball into the Celtic box, but the danger was averted by a hoofed clearance from Chris Laverty.

The first period of extra time was equally as busy with Burden firing wide after getting in behind Peter Kelly, but Celtic went down the park and Jordan McAllister gave them a 2-1 lead after he latched on to a threaded through ball from Perry.

Annalong refused to buckle and drew level again five minutes later. Maybin made life a misery for Laverty at left back before he spotted Curran well off his line and stranded in no man’s land.

There was still not a lot on for the Annalong playmaker, but he somehow slid into a tackle with Laverty and placed the ball wide of Curran with an exquisite touch.

That was it as far as goals were concerned and so to penalties. Sloan stood big and tall and saved from Peter Kelly, Kerri Grant and Jordan Curran to send Annalong through to the showpiece decider.

Annalong Swifts: J. Sloan, A Henning, G Forsythe, R Gordon, A Nugent, L Maybin, S Burden, J Gilchrist, J McCulla, R McMurray, M Newell. Subs: A McAllister, A Beck, J Hanna.

Celtic Bhoys: N Curran, S Megahey, C Laverty, P Kelly, M Rice, J Curran, M Burns, K Grant, C Mullan, C Perry, M Burns. Subs: J McAllister, C Leckey, B J McMenamin.

Annalong Swifts 2

Celtic Bhoys 2

Annalong win 3-1 on penalties

BOBBY DALZELL CUP SEMI-FINAL

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