Mullingar Celtic 2 Clonaslee United 2 (Mullingar Celtic through on penalties)
Mullingar Celtic are through to the next round of the cup after a massive display of grit and determination against a very strong Clonaslee side.
Clonaslee took the lead around the midway point of a tight first half, however their lead was short lived as Keith Hope equalised through a fine freekick around the 30th minute. Clonaslee who were on top for the last 15 minutes of the 1st half regained their lead just before half time and only for a couple of brilliant saves from Rory Matthews they could’ve been further ahead.
Mullingar Celtic came flying out the blocks in the second half we played some excellent football ourselves and controlled much of the second half. We couldnt seem to get a way through the Clonaslee defence until the last couple if minutes when Keith Hoped whipped in a freekick and Dean Scully powered home a header to make it 2-2.
It was backs against the wall for the majority of the extra time and we defended brilliantly as a unit with lads putting their body’s on the line and running their socks off. Our gaffer Richie Healey even got in on the defencive action putting in great tackles. Clonaslee nearly won it in the end only for a huge tackle from Gearoid Sheridan who was brilliant all game.
The game then went to penalties where Rory Matthews again was the hero pulling off a excellent save to send us through to the next round. This was a brilliant gutsy performance and exactly what we needed after a string of poor performances.
Our man of the match today was Rory Matthews who had a brilliant game between the sticks. Special mentions have to go to Joe Doyle and Gearoid Sheridan who both covered every blade of grass.
As always thanks to all who came out and cheered us on.
