Double dream still alive for Celtic

Newmarket Celtic A 2   Bridge United A 1

NEWMARKET Celtic A remain on course to complete the league and cup double following their latest outing.

At the County Grounds in Doora on Sunday, they accounted for neighbours Bridge United A in the cup semi-final. They now stand one win away from completing the double, having retained the Premier League title two weeks ago.

On Sunday, they had to come from behind to book their final place but their win was merited as they were the better balanced side and their greater experience proved decisive.

Exchanges in the opening quarter were even, with the first chance falling to underdogs Bridge United in the 10th minute. A cross from Kieran Quinlan from the left was met by the in-rushing Jamie Gorman but his effort went narrowly wide of the target.

The opening score came after 23 minutes when Adrian White’s low drive from 10 yards beat Jason Casey in the Newmarket goal and sparked off great celebrations among the Bridge followers.
However, the lead was short-lived, as Celtic were back on terms seven minutes later.

A corner caused problems for Bridge United’s defence and Enda Kelly capitalised to score from close range and tie up the game at 1-1, which was the position at half-time.

Both sides stepped up the pace on the resumption and after 10 minutes, Celtic struck for what proved to be the winning score.

A spectacular left-footed strike by full-back Darren Cullinan settled the tie and his bullet-like drive flew past Mark Lonergan in the Bridge goal.

The winners dominated the remainder of the half and were deservedly ahead when referee Martin O’Brien sounded the final whistle.

Experience proved a key factor for the winners and the Kellys, David O’Grady, Mark Donlon, Seamus Lawlor and Eoin Hayes were always prominent.

While disappointed with the result, Bridge United will be pleased with the fact that their young side matched their more experienced opponents in many areas and the experience they gained in this campaign should stand to them in the coming season.

“We knew the Bridge would make it difficult for us. They started brightly and took the lead. The key was to equalise quickly, which we did and we were level at the break.

“We were the better team in second half. Darren Cullinan scored a great goal,” said the winners’ manager Liam Murphy.

Newmarket Celtic A: Jason Casey; David O’Grady, Darren Cullinan, Mark Donlon, Enda Kelly; Seamus Lawlor, Stephen Kelly, Michael Devitt, Dáithí O’Connell, Eoin Hayes, Eoin O’Brien.
Subs: Kieran Devitt for Dáithí O’Connell, Alan Kelly for Seamus Lawlor and Seamus Considine for Stephen Kelly.

Bridge United A: Mark Lonergan; Jonathon Hayes, Donald Devanney, Darren Murphy, Mark Culbert; Christy Griffin, Darragh Fitzgerald, Jonathon Downes, Adrian White, Jamie O’Gorman, Kieran Quinlan.
Subs: Gavin Downes for Jonathan Hayes, Damien Murray for Darragh Fitzgerald and Paul Tuohy for Jamie O’Gorman.

Referee: Martin O’Brien. Linesmen: Dave McCarthy and Martin Monaghan.