Kilcock Celtic returned to league action this morning against Knocklyon United, and were looking to get back to winning ways after bowing out of the Polikoff Cup two weeks ago. The visitors made a fast start and almost scored within a minute when Shane Fitzgerald’s effort whistled past the post. However, two minutes later Fitzgerald was played in by Eoin Hannigan, who made no mistake the second time of asking, chipping the keeper to make it 0-1 to the visitors. The condition of the pitch made it difficult for both sides to get the ball down but the Celts continued to apply pressure, getting into dangerous positions. Daniel Gilbert thought he had doubled Celtic’s lead when he had the ball in the net from a Shane O’Rourke cross, but the ref adjudged that the ball had gone out of play. Kilcock were forced into an early change when Shane Fitzgerald came off with Caolin O’Rourke replacing him. The Celts doubled their lead when Mike Brown scored a cracking free kick from twenty five yards out to put them in the driving seat. Kilcock were in total control towards the end of the first half and won a penalty when Shane O’Rourke was fouled in the area, but they were unable to take advantage of the opportunity with Mike Brown putting the ball over the bar.

In the second half, Knocklyon hit Kilcock on the counter from their own corner kick, and despite Cian Ward making the initial save, the ball bounced to the opposition striker who pounced to make it 1-2. The home side continued to press for a leveller, but Dylan Bradley and Darragh McArdle were equal to what was being thrown at them. Kilcock began to gain control of the game once more after Jack Foley was introduced into midfield. The Celts were unlucky not to increase their lead again after Josh Sherlock from distance curled an effort which just hit the outside of the post. Kilcock kept creating chances, and thought they had scored when Caolin O’Rourke arrived late into the box from a Dan Gilbert cross but his effort went past the post. Eventually, the third goal came after tireless work in midfield once more by Josh Sherlock and Eoin McArdle, turning the ball over and setting Mike Brown away who slipped in Dan Gilbert who hit a sweet strike off his left to make it 1-3 to the Celts to finish the game. A deserved three points for the visitors on the road, who turn their attention now to Terenure Rangers next weekend.

Line up:

1. Cian Ward

2. Shane O'Rourke (78’ Byrne)

3. Kevin Smith

4. Dylan Bradley

5. Daragh McArdle

6. Josh Sherlock (82’ Yusuf)

7. Mike Brown (C)

8. Eoin McArdle

9. Shane Fitzgerald (30’ C. O’Rourke)

10. Eoin Hannigan (60’ Foley)

11. Daniel Gilbert

Substitutes:

12. David Moynan

13. Caolin O’Rourke

14. Aaron Byrne

15. Jack Foley

18. Alaba Yusuf