Football: Cookstown Celtic get the better of Moneyslane

Celtic were slow out of the blocks and were lucky not to be a goal behind after a few minutes when the hosts attacker was through on goal but Harley somehow managed to clear the ball off the line before McGahan cleared to safety.

This let off sparked Celtic into life and they took the lead after fifteen minutes. A fine delivery from Muldoon was nodded back across goal by Maguire where Bates was on hand to put Celtic ahead.

However Celtic’s lead only lasted five minutes when the referee awarded a harsh penalty to the hosts after an unfortunate handball by McGahan.

O’Neill in the Celtic goal guessed the right way but he still couldn’t keep out the well struck penalty. This setback did not deter Celtic who battled away and got their rewards soon after.

A fine passing move involving Muldoon, Maguire, Harley and Devlin resulted in the ball finding its way to Taylor who unleashed an unstoppable effort into the top corner and restoring Celtic’s lead.

Celtic were aggrieved not to be awarded a penalty just before half time when O’Neill burst past the defender before being scythed down in the area but remarkably the referee waved play on.

The hosts once again started the half all guns blazing with O’Neill in the Celtic goal having to be alert to stop some long range efforts.

Celtic weathered the brief onslaught from the visitors and went close to adding to their lead with efforts from Maguire and McCloskey.

Moneyslane went with a more attacking formation to try and force extra time but the Celtic defence stayed resolute and held out for a great result.

Cookstown Celtic will entertain Strule United in the Irish Junior Cup this Saturday at Fairhill, 1.30pm kick off.