Celtic will rue many missed chances in last Friday’s 3-3 draw against Kinnegad. It only took 7 mins for Demo to get in behind their defence & slot home to put us one up.
After a number of chances were squandered to extend the lead, a defensive mixup led to Kgad forward breaking free. A heavy touch allowed Colm Baker to get across & guide the ball out of play. Rather than a goal kick being awarded, a penalty was given much to the surprise of players & the large crowd in Gainstown. Several Kinnegad players even labelled the decision harsh. Nonetheless, it was converted & we were back all square.
We regained the lead when a cross into the box wasn’t dealt with & Keelo pounced to tap it in from close range. Demo almost grabbed the third when he cut inside from the corner of the box & hit a spectacular half volley which forced a great save from the keeper.
Against the run of play, a shot from distance found the back of the net to put them level. Keelo, Demo & Joe Doyle all had good chances to put us ahead again but it was all square at the break.
Kinnegad took the lead when the ball was pulled across the face of the goal after a short free kick & tapped in from a yard out. Celtic keeper Bernard Glynn was injured in the process & Colm Baker was forced to go in between the sticks.
We finally sprung into action with 25 mins to go when David Jessop’s effort from long range went just wide. Brandon Duggan’s looping free kick was met by Conor Matthews at the back post but again went narrowly wide.More chances went begging when Demo fired just over from inside the box & Keelo saw his effort blocked by the defender after rounding the keeper.
The equalizer finally came with about 10 mins to go when Jack Dalton picked the ball up at the edge of & turned the defenders inside out before driving into the net.
Jay O’Brien’s then went close on his debut with a curling free kick but it was not to be & the game ended in a stalemate.
After a number of injuries to key players early in the second half, it was credit to the strength of the Celtic squad to force a draw & almost earn what would have been a deserved three points.
Starting XI: Bernard Glynn, Darren Aughey, Colm Baker, Conor Matthews, Gearoid Sheridan, Jack Hall, Ian Keelan, Cian Farrell, Joe Doyle, Ryan Dempsey, Keith Hope. Subs used: Rory Daly, Brandon Duggan, Jack Dalton, Jay O’Brien, David Jessop
