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Saturday Soccer Special was here. Forget Manchester City V Liverpool, here here to that! the REAL game of the day was at Gannon Park where Malahide Utd hosted Castleknock Celtic in the Cup Semi-Final. Malahide arrived to the league's runaway league leaders, undefeated and with two victories over the Celts already this season making them the hottest of favourites on paper as they chased a League & Cup double. However Celtic would be no pushovers Aside from the two defeats to their hosts the Celts were unbeaten elsewhere and arrived into the game unbeaten in seven. The aforementioned losses to their hosts sat uncomfortably with the Celts who felt the scorelines did not reflect their efforts. Furthermore after two Cup Semi-final losses in the past two seasons the Castleknock lads were keen to set the records straight. In more ways than one the Castleknock Boys hoped it would be third time lucky.
Playing with a strong wind Malahide settled first hitting some piercing crosses from the wings early on. However having weathered the early storm Celtic got into their stride as they started to probe and ask questions of the Malahide defence. Sean Blood and Leigh Reilly both had good opportunities but with pressure coming from the home defence their efforts went wide. There was a clear contrast in styles – the quality of the home team was beyond question. Tactically Malahide sought to release the strikers first time. Celtic on the other hand sought to use the wings with their play more deliberate. An intriguing clash but still 0-0 at half time.
Celtic would have been the happier at half time. On top and now with the breeze at their backs. The instructions were simple “Stay competing, stay focused and be patient”. Celtic started the half the better but the well organised Malahide defence made nothing easy. With 15 minutes of the half gone disaster struck. Celtic attacked along their left deep inside the Malahide half. The ball was lost and hit long. 2 v 1 should not have been an issue for Celtic but the Malahide striker pressed forcing a poor clearance that ran to the edge of the box. The on running Malahide player was on it like a flash and hit what can only be described as thunderbolt leaving Tommy Bowe, who had been idle all day, with no chance. 1-0. Celtic were rocked and lost their shape with injuries to Reilly and Sean Daly not helping matters. While Malahide stayed deep it was they who were creating the better chances following quick breaks. Slowly but surely Celtic re-grouped and literally threw everything at Malahide who were seeking to slow the game down at every opportunity with a substantial amount of time wasting. Corners and free kicks were forced but in truth Celtic lacked the quality in the final third to really breakdown this well drilled and well organised Malahide defence. FT: 1-0.
This was an unusual Cup game. Celtic played the better football had more possession and did not deserve to lose their third Semi in 3 years. But did they deserve to win? Probably not as they never really got to grips with the excellent Malahide defence. In the end it took a magnificent strike from the Malahide midfielder to settle the tie and it was a goal worthy to win any game. Malahide are an outstanding team but Celtic proved today that they can compete with any team. We wish Malahide all the best and hope they have a great day out in the Cup final.