Match of the Week: Old Bawn edge past Clondalkin Celtic

OLD BAWN FC maintained their steady push up the UCFL Division 3B section when they hosted Clondalkin Celtic, in Sean Walsh Park, and ran out 2-0 winners.

The defeat leaves Clondalkin as they were, in mid table, in their first season in the league and really they could have no complaints about Saturday’s result.

They started brightly enough and in the opening six minutes had three efforts on goal all from Dylan Doyle, who hit the side netting, had a goal ruled out for offside, then a cracking effort saved by the Bawns AJ Halpin.

But to make matters worse they fell behind in the eight minute, when JJ Dawson was hauled down in the area, before dusting himself down and slotting home the resulting penalty.

It was against the run of play, but you have to take your chances when they come your way or you end up paying the price.

However, it’s fair to say that the Celts had more of the ball in the opening half, and more chances, but just could not get back on the scoresheet despite the strong wind being slightly in their favour.

Old Bawn FC ran out 2-0 winners over Clondalkin Celtic

Doyle went close again before Callum Forte flashed a header the wrong side of a post.

So when the sides turned ends after the break it was the Bawns turn to try to make the wind pay dividends, and they almost did from the kick off as Lewis Talbot cut in from the left and smashed an effort off the post.

But it wasn’t too long before the home side got their second of the morning, on 55 minutes, as Michael Lovett floated the ball over the visiting defence for Kyle Coady to cooly slot home.

Clondalkin Celtic remain mid-table in their first season in Division 3B

It turned out to be enough to seal the win, despite a good effort from the visitors, and keep them in contention at the top end of the Division.

But, really, it was the wind that played a big part in this game as control was difficult to say the least, it’s just that Old Bawn used it better to their advantage.

OLDBAWN FC: AJ Halpin, Matt Johanson, Aaron Breslin, Kyle Coady, Dylan O’Brien, David Slevin, Michael Lovett, Lewis Talbot, JJ Dawson, Grant Perry, Ross Hitchings.

CLONDALKIN CELTIC: Will Forte, Eamon Nolan, Callum Forte, Adam Spollen, David Gilligan, Gar Whelan, Dylan Doyle, James Morgan, Joe Muala, Sean McDermot, Cal Nolan, Glenn Walsh.

REFEREE: JJ Walsh.