Celtic take out the defending champions
Castlebar Celtic’s Dylan Edwards in action against Westport United’s Harrison Quinn during the Westaro Cup semi-final at United Park, Westport,last Sunday. Pictures: David Farrell Photography
Castlebar Celtic have claimed their place in the Westaro Cup Final after defeating last year’s champions Westport United.
The Super League are undefeated this season and scored a hat trick of goals in the opening half, after playing a commanding game of football.
Playing three at the back, Celtic were aggressive from kick-off and dominated early possession. This strategy paid off for the visitors, finding found the back of the net with five played.
The referee signalled for a free kick after a United handball just inches outside of their own penalty box. Dylan Edwards stood up to take the free kick for Celtic, and made no mistake in striking the ball perfectly into the left corner of the net.
Celtic were winning the midfield battle while United’s frustration grew, unable to maintain a solid spout of possession.
With 17 minutes on the clock, United were awarded a free kick 20 metres out from goal. Cian Halpin struck the free for the home side but Celtic goalkeeper Stefan Hester calmly gathered the ball. Within seconds, Hester played an inch-perfect long ball over the Westport defence and Luke Kelly was first to the ball. he quickly played the ball across the Westport box and Liam Flatley got on the end of the cross to slot into past Gary Cunningham.
The Hoops were in complete control of the semi-final from here playing quick passes and direct football. United were attempting some long-range efforts but were unable to trouble Hester.
Celtic deservedly found the back of the net for a third time on the 22 minutes. Man-of-the-match Fionn Mahon played some superb individual football and won his team a corner. Dylan Edwards sent an in-swinger into the Westport box, which was headed back across the goal, and Liam Flatley rattled the roof of the net for his second, and Celtic’s third.
There was a slight sense of complacency within the Celtic team with their three-goal advantage, and United were slowly getting more possession finding more space within the Celtic half.
The hosts played the better second half and within the first minute, they had already created a chance after Kevin Kitterick cut inside the Celtic defence but saw his shot go just over the crossbar.
Westport United kept this pressure up and were rewarded with 63 minutes played. After some quick feet from Aaron Cannon, he managed to pass the ball to Cian Halpin who passed the ball into the bottom left corner of the net.
There was a sense among the crowd gathered in United Park that a comeback was possible for the Westport side. They did have a couple of chances to claw back a goal, the best coming through Harrison Quinn, whose long-range effort looked destined for the top corner, however, a wonder save from Stefan Hester knocked the ball out for a corner, which Celtic swiftly dealt with.
Celtic broke Westport United hearts on 85 minute after Luke Kelly found himself at the end of a superb Dylan Edwards pass. Kelly remained composed and found the back of the net to send Castlebar Celtic through to the Westaro Cup Final, where they will face Ballina Town.
