- HOME
- HISTORY
- LOCATION
- RESULTS
- FIXTURES
- CONTACTS
- CLUB NEWS
- GALLERY
- CONTACT US
- MINI-WORLD CUP
- PLAN YOUR SPORTS SESSION
- CELTIC FC PARTNERSHIP
- COACHING CORNER
- HONOURS
- YOUNG PEOPLE'S HEALTH IN MIND
- GARDA VETTING FORM
- JUNIORS INSURANCE COVER SUMMARY
- CODES OF PRACTICE & CONDUCT UPDATED JAN 2018
- ARCHIVE MEMORIES
- CONSTITUTION 2017
- FAI SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY
Sylviu Aghinita's hat-trick and a man of the match performance from Cillian Daly set Celtic on their way to a convincing opening day victory following their move to the LSL from the AUL. There was confidence in the squad after some impressive pre-season wins. It was also their first home match on the new grass pitch in ITB under lights. Celtic were very sluggish to start and were rocked back by a disappointing defensive lapse that let Shankill in for the opening goal from a corner as their striker stabbed the ball home past the excellent home keeper, Paddy Leonard. 0-1
Celtic gradually gained a foothold and after 16 minutes, Sylviu Aghinita rifled home from 8 yards following a Conor Mullen assist. 1-1
6 minutes later, Kevin Keane laid the ball on for Cillian Daly who struck a tremendous shot into the back of the net from 10 yards. It was no more than Celtic deserved as, after their shaky start, they were dominating possession at this stage. Joey Crampton was again assured in the middle, combining well with his veteran team-mate, Kevin Keane who put in yet another impressive performance.
Celtic put the game to bed in a 8 minute spell shortly after the half-time break. While all the Celtic goals were top drawer, Sylviu’s second was a gem as it was a team goal, coming from a move started by John Byrne in his own half, he found Jamie Traynor who laid it off to Cillian. The man of the match delivered the incisive pass to Sylviu who rounded off a beautiful move when he shot home from 8 yards past the diving Shankill keeper, Chris Mason. 3-1
13 minutes into the second half, Celtic put further daylight between the sides when Cillian was again the provider as he set up Sylviu who rounded off a memorable night with his hat-trick. 4-1 goal action
Niall Conran then came on for Sylviu who had done his job. Niall showed some lovely touches and went within inches of scoring the fifth. But it was left to Cillian to complete his brace 12 minutes from time when he beautifully headed into the far corner of the net from a splendid ball from Sean McGarrity. Celtic had now emptied the bench, and Shankill got a consolation second goal in the dying minutes. However, Celtic were still creating chances late on, and Jamie Traynor, who had put in a big shift on the night, was only denied by a fine save by Shankill’s Chris Mason. So it finished 5-2 to the home side, and what started out like a tricky first outing in the LSL, Celtic were in the end comfortable winners which will give them confidence for the season ahead.