Kerr brace wins it for top of the table Celtic

31 January 2024

CELTIC Bhoys kept their Division 2C title hopes high with a close win over fourth place Sandy Row at Ballyhornan on Saturday.

The Hoops, in what is their first season in the Amateur League, have so far won ten of their 11 matches.

It was Sandy Row who kick-started the game when a free-kick just outside the box was awarded after Daibhi Ennis brought down Dylan Rodgers.

Sandy Row’s Rodgers stepped up to take the free-kick and made Celtic Bhoys goalkeeper Nathan Curran push the ball over the bar. But, 14 minutes into the game, Celtic Bhoys registered the first goal when a long throw-in from Jay Gibney was sent inside the box and Sandy Row’s Aaron McAuley headed off his own crossbar before the ball rolled out to Conaill Kerr, who slammed it home for the hosts.

Celtic Bhoys had a second chance four minutes later but Gibney’s long range shot went just wide.

The visitors saw their chance of a leveller go begging when Mark Gorman’s shot made Curran fully stretch to keep out the danger – a great save by the custodian.

However, after 33 minutes the goal came to level the match following a quick throw-in from Steven Hamilton to Alan Dunning, and with a failure to clear by Celtic Bhoys, the ball found its way to the net.

But, the Hoops weren’t behind for long and from a corner clearance out to Seán McMahon, the striker found team-mate Kerr for a cracking goal which put his Celtic Bhoys outfit back in front at half-time.

The second half started intently with McMahon’s corner headed by Taylor Loudon into the gloves of the Sandy Row number one.

In the 58th minute Sandy Row’s Rodgers found Christian Irvine, who made a quick turn and unleashed a shot on target.

However, this did little to trouble Curran. Celtic Bhoys looked to be moving two ahead when Corey McCartan made a counter-attack from the midfield area.

He found himself one on one with the goalkeeper but just couldn’t apply the finishing touch.

With 15 minutes left on the clock, Gibney’s dangerous corner delivery was headed wide by team-mate Johnnie Bell.

Sandy Row were throwing everything at the game and a real chance ped for Hamilton, but a well-timed block by McKee kept the ball out along with the Celtic Bhoys backline of Shaun Megahey, Blaine Connolly and Bell, who all played brilliantly.

Celtic Bhoys had the last chance of the game, with Kerr’s half volley just missing the target.

Celtic Bhoys will be happy with the three points, but Sandy Row will feel this was an opportunity missed as they held most of the possession.

Celtic Bhoys: N Curran, S Megahey, M McKee, J Bell, B Connolly, D Ennis, T Loudon, J McCoubrey, S McMahon, C Kerr, J Gibney. Subs: S Cahill, C McCartan, C Cullen.

Sandy Row: R McCarken, C Irvine, M Gorman, S McDowell, M McGrath, D Rodgers, S Hamilton, A McAuley, A Dunning, J Shields. Subs: J Hanna, K Maxwell.

Celtic Bhoys 2

Sandy Row 1

AMATEUR LEAGUE DIV 2C

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