Match Reports

CELTIC BOYS & GIRLS CLUB - BELFAST

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QUINN DOUBLE SENDS U15's THROUGH
NI CUP (U15): 29.11.08
Celtic Boys 2-0 Rasario

Celtic Boys faced Rasario at Ulida in the NI Cup first round on Saturday. The Bhoys were going into the game off the back of a 2-0 league defeat last week and knew that they would have to be great form to get themselves back to winning ways.

The first 15 minutes of the game were quite scrappy with both teams finding their feet, however Celtic Boys were unlucky not to be 2-0 up when Neil Henry created 2 great opportunities for himself, only for one to shave the post and the other was turned away for a great save by the keeper.

After 20 minutes CB started to settle down and played nice flowing attacking football. The two fullbacks McWilliams and Tully were having a great game, both getting forward and causing problems for the Rasario defence.

The first goal of the game came after great play in midfield from Fitzpatrick and Carlin. After a neat one-two Fitzy laid the ball wide for Prendergast to chase, who turned his marker superbly before laying up Domhnall Quinn who struck a sweet strike into the top corner.

Celtic Boys controlled the game for the rest of the half and should have been another few up before the whistle. Prendergast, Quinn, Murray & Henry all went close but to no avail.

In the second half it was more of the same from the hoops, keeping the ball well, however at 1-0 they knew Rasario were still in the game. Jackson and Harbinson were solid in Center of defence except for one defensive slip up which allowed Rasario to strike from close range but Mark McKenna pulled off a superb save, to tip to ball over the bar.

This was the wake up call CB needed and soon it was 2-0. Again Neil Henry was involved and it was his run on the right wing which open up space for Prendergast to shoot from long range. The defender blocked the shot but Quinn was there to hammer home again. 2-0 Celtic Boys.

A great team effort today from the lads and well done to the U14s who came along. Best for Celtic Boys were Henry, Quinn & Fitzpatrick!

Well done lads

Team: McKenna, Tully, F.Harbinson, Jackson, McWilliams, Carlin, Fitzpatrick, Murray, Henry, Quinn, Prendergast, Mervyn, Curran, McCann, R.Harbinson, Curran

THE DIAMOND SHINES AGAIN
U14 League: 25-10-08
Celtic Boys 9 -v- 0 Newington

Celtic Boys came up against a Newington side that they knew nothing about, at Mallusk on Saturday. The boys knew they had to get off to a great start and they did just that when inform striker Jamie Diamond carried on where he left of last week, when he hit a hat-trick against Willowbank .

This week was no different .Diamond opened the scoring after just 2 minutes and this was to be the way it continued when he add number two and three without reply .

Celtic boys where in total control of this game from the start. P.Hughes, G.Marron,Helmi and Doherty were running the show from mid field. Up Front Jamie Diamond was shinning and he and his new strike partner Chris Smart were causing Newington defense all sorts of problems .

At the back for Celtic Boys R.Harrbinson, S.McKenna, E.McCann and L.McClarron dealt with anything Newington could throw at them leaving goalkeeper Carl with a very easy day.

Celtic went on to add more goals when Helmi Deni, Gary Marron, E.McCann and Chris Smart all got on the score sheet. All in all a superb team performance, keep it up lads!

Mom Jamie Diamond .

POINTS SHARED IN TOP-OF-THE TABLE CLASH
U13 League: 11-10-08
Celtic Boys 1 -v- 1 Bertie Peacock

After the terrible weather last week Celtic boys traveled up to Mallusk this week with the sun splitting the trees. This weeks opponents were Bertie Peacock who like Celtic boys had gained maximum points from their opening fixtures. Both teams have had strong starts and nothing could separate them today.

It was a thrilling encounter with attack upon attack from both teams. Bertie Peacock got off to the better start when a great ball was whipped in and their big number nine narrowly heading wide. This was a wake up call for Celtic boys and good play down the left hand side led to a good opening and on form striker Stevie McManus dispossessed the defender in his own box, the ball feel nicely for left midfielder Eamon Hanna who coolly slotted the ball past the keeper for the opening goal. The game then became a midfield battle with both teams battling hard to take control but both teams canceling each other out.

Then good play down the left led to some confusing down in the Celtic boys defence and a great chip shot from the Bertie Peacock attacker leveled the game up. Coming up to half-time and Bertie Peacock started to take control causing the Celtic boys defence some problem. The boys managed to keep the game level at half-time.

Both teams where coming out for the second half to try get all three points. Celtic boys made three changes at half-time with Martin O'Lali, Connaire Whyte and Paul Devlin all coming in to the match. These subs gave Celtic Boys a lift a came out stronger to the second half and good attack led by Mcmanus ended with a free kick for the boys on the edge of the peacock box. Anto Mckenna stepped up to hit it and his sweet strike had the keeper beat but unfortunately just over the bar. Celtic boys settled in to a nice rhythm with everything good coming through young Martin O'lali. The wee man coming up from the younger for today's match never looked out of place in fact was a stand out in the middle of the park for Celtic boys.

Bertie Peacock were not just going to let Celtic boys control this and on more than one occasion the big number nine up front for Bertie Peacock turned the Celtic boys defence to get on goal but just couldn't get that finishing touch. The big man was a menace all day for the boys centre backs. With just a matter of minutes left Bertie Peacock broke down the right hand side with a great ball played across the ball to the big number nine who looked like he finally was going to get the goal in the second half he so deserved but out of nowhere came Celtic boys centre back Colm Bennet who dove down at his feet to make a great block. This would be last chance of and the points were shared which was a fair result in the end.

A special mention to young Martin O'lali who came up from the under 11's and controlled the midfield in the second half along with Anto Mckenna, well done Martin.

MON- Martin O'lali

Celtic Boys team- Connor Shaw, Caoilin Kearns, Colm Bennet, Aaron Slane, Ciaran Mckeown, Nicholas Porter, Anto Mckenna, Kevin Mckeown, Eamon Hanna, Ryan Irvine, Stevie Mcmanus, subs: Paul Devlin, Connaire Whyte, Martin O'lali, Ryan Devlin, Jack McAllister.

QUINN SHINES IN U15 WIN
U15 League: 11-10-08

Celtic Boys (7) -V- (0) Newry Celtic

Domhnall Quinn stole the show for Celtic Boys u15's this week with a dazzling display in-front of goal as the bhoys ran out 7-0 winners over Newry Celtic.

Celtic Boys are currently sitting top of the Mid Ulster league and they needed a win on sat to keep the pressure on. They did just that with a great result and team performance at Tannaghmore.

The game started very brightly for CB and within the first ten minutes they should have been 2-0 up. Healy was unlucky when his fine effort was tipped over the bar, and McKenna should have done better from close range.

However the lads were patient and knew that the goal would come and what a way to open the scoring. Carlin played the ball wide to Mckenna who drifted in a teasing cross for Quinn to volley home in style.

This Gave CB a confidence boost and soon it was 2-0. Fionbharr McCann was working well on the right and after beating two players he drilled in a low effort which the keeper couldn't hold and the ball fell into the net to give the boys a comfortable lead.

Podraig Nugent was the choice between the sticks and he was almost a spectator for the first half. The defence of Tully, Harbinson, Henry and McWilliams were very solid, while wide men McKenna and McCann did well to support Healy and Quinn up-front. In centre midfield Dan Carlin and Nathan Prendergast teamed up superbly to break down attacks as well as distribute the ball very well and control the game.

Dohmnall Quinn then got himself on the score-sheet again with a cheeky diving header at the near post when McCann sent in a great cross from the right. However the wee man wasn't finished yet and once again it was him who popped up in the box to riffle home a great effort and compete his hat-trick.

In the second half CB introduce Ciaran Johnston, Shane Murray and Matthew Fitzpatrick. All three played well and contributed to the match. Nathan prendergast scored from the spot to make it 5-0 after Quinn was fouled inside the box and Murray looked sharp in-front of goal when he scored a good individual goal before lobbing the keeper to put the game out of reach for Newry.

Well done lads, a great team performance and hopefully it will continue as next up is a trip to Enniskillen before they take on last years league winners Omagh Utd.

MOM: Dohmnall Quinn

Celtic Boys team- Nugent, Tully, Harbinson, McWilliams, Henry, McCann, McKenna, Carlin, Prendergast, Quinn, Healy, Murray, Johnston, Fitzpatrick

U14s DRAW IN LEAGUE
U14 League: 04.10.08
Celtic Boys 2 -v- 2 Doyle

Celtic Boys where at a rain soaked Mallusk to take on a very strong Doyle team. From the start to the finish it never stop raining. All credit to the boys as they got on with the job. Now back to the football ! Doyle took the lead after only a few minutes when a mix up at the back between Celtic boys back line and keeper which allowed the Doyle striker to nip in and put Doyle one up.

After this set back Celtic boys start to play a nice passing game .with pierce, gary, Doc and our new signing Helmi in the mid field working well. It was not long before Celtic boys drew level and it was wee doc who took on the Doyle left back. He cut inside and planted the ball in the top right hand corner which gave the Doyle keeper no chance.

Celtic Boys should have taken the lead within the next minute when the Doyle keeper could not hold on to a strike from wee Doc and Celtic boys centre forward big Liam picked up the rebound and with and open net from only 5 yards put the ball over the bar.

The game started to level out with both teams looking for a opening. There was very few chances for any team Celtic boys defence of Ronan, Shane, Harpo and Emmett dealt with anything Doyle could throw at them . Celtic boys pressed looking for a winner but for some poor finishing could have had this game won.

With Celtic boys pushing forward they got caught out with a long ball, and a mistake by Shane at the back let in Doyle to take the lead . So Celtic boys where playing catch up again. With about five minutes to go Celtic Boys got the goal they where looking when from a corner on the right Emmett McCann put the ball in the net to level the game at 2-2. This is the way the game finished, a fair result and credit to both teams for putting on a good game in some really bad weather .
Mom Emmett Mc Cann

U13s STILL UNBEATEN
U13 League: 04-10-08
Celtic Boys 3 -v- 1 Deanby

On a cold, wet and windy day Celtic boys u-13s traveled to Mallusk undefeated for their 3rd game of the season. Today's opponents were Deanby who would prove to be tough opposition.

Celtic boys got off to the better start with chances coming their way with Eamon Hanna hitting the bar early on. That set the tone for the match and as Celtic boys piled more pressure on Deanby the ball fell to Caoilin Kearns at the edge of the box and he didn't look back from there striking wonderfully into the top corner. Very few chances came after that bringing it to half time.

The second half started with Deanby looking to make there mark on this match. As Deanby pushed forward looking for the equaliser Celtic boys stole in to then break on the counter down the right wing, the resulting cross lead to a goal mouth scramble which then fell to young Kevin Mckeown who calmly slid the ball under the keeper for two. Celtic boys then took control of the game in the middle of the park with Anto Mckenna and Kevin Mckeown. This became to comfortable and lapse in concentration lead to a great passing movement form Deanby resulting in their centre midfielder unleashing a beautiful shot into the top corner leaving the Celtic boys keeper with no chance. This made the hoops slightly anxious but they managed to come through it and a great ball over the top by midfielder Anto Mckenna lead to Stevie Mcmanus to notch his 6th goal of the season.

Celtic boys line-up: Connor Shaw, Caoilin Kearns, Aaron Slane, Ciaran Mckeown, Nathan Duffy, Anto McKenna, Kevin Mckeown, Connaire Whyte(Mitch), Eamon Hanna, Stevie Mc manus, Subs: Nicholas Porter, Paul Devlin(Midge), Ryan Devlin, Bradley Fitzsimmons and Jack McAllister.

Man of the match: Kevin Mckeown

U17 WIN SENDS BOYS TO TOP OF SBL
U17 League: 27-09-08
Celtic Boys 3 -v- 1 Carniny

A fine day at Cherryvale. With the boys winning there last two they are really up for this game against Carniny..

Celtic Boys started the brightest and after five mins the lads no there in a game. Celtic Boys are playing good football but still finding it hard to break this side down. However it wasn't long until they got the break they needed when the Carniny defender give us the lead by scoring an OG.

Carniny were pushing hard to get one back, but the Celtic Boys defence worked their socks off. Joe McCaffrey was solid as a rock along with Aaron, Hutch and Harry, who were all playing well. In midfield Kevin sas was in the middle with Andy and Jenkins either side and all worked well together. Dee-dee and crick were up front, making it hard for Carniny back four.

After a while Carniny pulled one back, 1-1 and game on. In the second half it was very tough and Celtic Boys were all working hard. The back four were working well, as Carniny were pushing them very hard at times with there long throw (it was like a corner kick).

Celtic Boys made a few changes with Aaron going into nets due to an injury to our keeper. Martin Cunningham, John Porter, Mclaugh and Oisin all played a part in changing the game.

It wasn't long before Mclaugh went through to score Celtic's second to put the lads in front. (you will never here the end of this goal all season). Carniny knew they had to push even harder to even thing up. With a few minutes to go, they got a corner and they sent their keeper and whole team into the Celtic boys box, however, Celtic Boys cleared and the ball breaks from defence to Cunningham, who put the game beyond reach for Carniny.

Celtic Boys 3 1 up - and game over.

well done lads.

Best for Celtic boys were Joe McCaffrey ( man of match) Aaron mclaugh & John Porter

U12s EASE PAST GLENBAWN CELTIC
U13 League: 20-09-08
Celtic Boys 5 -v- 0 Glenbawn Celtic

Celtic boys under 14s traveled to twinbrook to take on glenbawn Celtic . Celtic boys started the game in complete control from the start and thats the way it was to finish.

Celtic boys defense of Ronan, Shane, Anto and Harpo had very little to do all day while in the midfield Pierce , Gary, and Doc played well. Mackers was pulling all the strings up front and big Liam was leading the line with style.

It was wee doc who was man of the match with a very good hattrick, however he could not have done it with out some great team play. The whole team played with a smile on their face and enjoyed every minute of the game .

We have had a few set backs over the last few weeks with some players who did not want to work for the team. we are a better team without players like that . and a big thank you to all the kids which have stood by the team.

Well done boys.

U15s GET OFF TO WINNING START
U15 League: 06-09-08
Celtic Boys 3 -v- 2 Coleraine
Curran, Prendergast, McWilliams

Our U15 boys traveled to Cookstown in what was our only fixture this weekend due to bad weather. They faced a difficult Coleraine side and were looking to get off to a winning start to insure they topped the table in the first week. The boys who have strengthened their squad by bringing in five new players are managed by Brendan Connor & Emma Morgan.

We started with a very strong back-line of Matthew Tully, Fra Harbinson, Daniel Jackson and Dean McWilliams, protecting goalkeeper Mark McKenna. In midfield were Ciaran McKenna, Fionbharr McCann, Neil Henry and Jordan Curran and upfront was Donal Quinn and Nathan prendergast.

The boys got off to a good start and enjoyed most of the procession and it didn't take long for them to break the deadlock. Good Work in midfield by Neil Henry and Fionbharr McCann allowed Jordan Curran to break through and hammer home from outside the box, giving the Coleraine keeper no chance.

With a one-goal lead this give CB the confidence they needed and by now they were playing some super football. Fionbharr Mccann was working exceptionally well on the right wing and providing many quality crosses. in front of goal Donal Quinn was unlucky with a well placed effort and Nathan Prendergast maybe should have done better from close range.

However, against the run of play, Coleriane got themselves back into the game when the wind carried a long range clearance over Mark McKennas head and into the back of the net.

In the second half CB knew they had to pick it up a gear to leave with max pts and they did just that from the centre. Ciaran McKenna played the ball in-field to Prendergast who coolly beat one defender before rifling the ball into the net from 35yrds. Coleraine did threaten but their attacks were well dealt with by Jackson and Harbinson who are proving to be a fantastic partnership.

The last 15 mins of the game was very scrappy with both teams canceling each other out, but again it was a moment of brilliance that killed the match off. Neil Henry & Jordan Curran played a neat one-two before releasing McWilliams who scored a fantastic goal from outside the box.

Matthew Fitzpatrick and Peter McMahon both came off the bench to play their part in the game and both played well, leaving their managers with a difficult team selection for next week.

Coleraine did get a consolation goal in the last minute but Celtic Boys held out for a great victory and one that sends they to the top of the table.

Well done boys.