Celtic's three-in-a-row hopes remain on course
Castlebar Celtic's Eoghan Hughes is challenged by Strand Celtic's Ayomide Olabode. Pictures: John Corless
Castlebar Celtic survived a bruising encounter on a small pitch in awful conditions, to advance to the fourth round of Connacht Cup on Sunday.
The Castlebar side, who are the holders of the trophy, were made work for their win by a dogged Sligo side that never gave up and fought for every ball. All the goals came in the first half. Leo Doherty put the hosts in front after nine minutes, with Jordan Loftus levelling it on twenty-two, before firing home a penalty six minutes later. Castlebar substitute, Dylan Felle, was shown a straight red card by referee Paul Kilcoyne in stoppage time at the end of the game.
Strand had very visibly narrowed the pitch for Sunday’s game, by about six metres on either side, presumably to minimise the space for their opponents to build from the back, with their normal passing style. It’s a short pitch as well, and the combination of this and the swirling wind coming off Knocknarea, and the almost constant rain turned the meeting into an endurance test, which the Castlebar side shaded.
Strand are a good footballing side, and it is difficult to see any advantage they gained by the tactic. What was a surprise was that both sides played the ball in the air so much. This resulted in the ball going out of play continuously and neither side could build a proper or sustained attack.
In the end, however, the experienced Castlebar side ground out the result with some good defending, especially from Brian Walsh, to stay in the competition that they won for the past two seasons.
Castlebar fell behind after nine minutes when they uncharacteristically left the back post unguarded, to allow the impressive Leo Doherty to head home Caoilte Brannigan’s free kick unchallenged. Strand pushed up but were unable to build on their lead, as Castlebar struggled to put any quality moves together in the crosswind.
Not for the first time in his career, Jordan Loftus produced a moment of magic, after twenty-two minutes, to force through on the left and shoot home from a tight angle in a crowded penalty area, to level it. The goal was against the run of play and brought the defending champions to life.
Castlebar midfielder, Davitt Neary was fouled on the edge of the box by Ayomide Olabode, and Loftus blasted past Strand goalkeeper Fiachra Staunton to put the visitors in front. Had we all known that that would be the final score of the game, we’d have happily gone home at that stage.
Niall McDermott shot from a sweet headed pass from Doherty, but it didn’t trouble Castlebar goalkeeper Peter Basquille, who also saved from Daniel Gray Harrigan after a neat turn. Walsh came close for Castlebar when his shot was saved after Neary had done the hard work, and a few minutes before the break, Conor Burke had a chance for Strand but it too, was saved.
Castlebar were better in the second half and defended well when needed. Ben Murphy, Oran Groarke and Mark Cunningham came close to extending the lead and at the other end, McDermott had two chances. Max Stafford and substitute Dylan Martin combined well, but nothing came from it and for Castlebar, a Neary cross nearly went in, after a sweet pass by Walsh. Loftus nearly added to his brace and Eoghan Hughes came close.
Strand stayed dogged and tried hard for an equaliser, but it wasn’t their day. They were unlucky not to force extra time at least. They had a super chance two minutes into stoppage time, when Doherty sent the ball over, when it seemed easier to score. Felle’s red card was justified for his awkward challenge on Jimmy Monaghan.
For the victors, Loftus and Brian Walsh were excellent. Doherty was a constant threat for Strand, with Olabode also earning his keep.
A minute’s silence was observed before kick-off, in memory of Eamonn Conway, of Castlebar, who died last week.
