Captain Rice heads winner in nine-goal barn burner

Captain Rice heads winner in nine-goal barn burner

11 September 2024

A NINE-GOAL thriller went the way of Celtic Bhoys in their enthralling Division 2B opener against 4th Newtownabbey OB at Ballyhornan on Saturday.

Following a dramatic encounter which saw both teams go toe to toe throughout, the tie was finally decided in the 90th minute when Hoops skipper Mikey Rice headed his effort into the Newtownabbey net from a corner kick.

On a sun-drenched afternoon, proceedings kicked off and Celtic began on the front foot and pressed forward in search of the opener.

The hosts created a few half-chances but early on were made aware that their opponents were capable of causing issues on the counter-attack.

Despite this threat, it was the Celtic outfit which got off the mark first, as Conor Doherty’s shot proved too hot to handle for Newtownabbey ‘keeper Scott Keatley in the 12th minute.

But, this lead didn’t last long as just 60 seconds later the visitors went level after seemingly beating the offside trap – despite protests from the predominantly Celtic sideline – allowing striker Brandon Hassan to tap in from close range.

Amazingly, it was only a matter of moments before Celtic regained their advantage, as Conaill Kerr headed an assist over the defensive Newtownabbey backline to team-mate Sean Ferris, who nodded home into the empty net.

That signalled the game’s third goal in the space of three minutes as the match ignited and sparks flew.

Celtic then extended the lead when midfielder Jordan Curran’s piercing run into the box resulted in a penalty awarded for the hosts, which Shaun Megahey duly converted.

The Newtownabbey side knew they had to grab the next goal and that is exactly what they done, although it did take something particular special in order to do so.

Striker Philip McCann showed good work-rate in the Celtic half before a one-two passing sequence resulted in the Newtownabbey number nine lashing his effort into the top corner from 25 yards.

And, there was still time for the visitors to go level as Hassan showed his marker a clean pair of heels and stabbed the ball into the Celtic net past custodian Nathan Curran.

At half-time there was nothing to split the teams with the scoreline at 3-3 and after the break the action picked up where it had left off.

Celtic were awarded their second penalty of the afternoon, this time following a foul on Doherty, and making no mistake once more, Megahey stepped up to send ‘keeper Keatley the wrong way.

Still Newtownabbey remained a threat and after a series of back and forth attacking play from both teams, the visitors clawed back the deficit yet again when striker Jake Semple produced a snapshot from the edge of the Celtic box which nestled into the bottom corner.

The Hoops immediately looked to make amends and felt they were harshly denied a third penalty when Conaill Kerr was challenged inside the Newtownabbey box.

Referee Conor Stewart waved away these appeals but this game deserved a winner and the surrounding supporters suspected there was one last twist in the tale.

With 90 minutes on the clock, Megahey delivered a pinpoint corner kick which found the head of captain Rice, who made no mistake to capture all three points for the jubilant home side.

Despite last-ditch efforts to secure a share of the spoils, Newtownabbey ran out of time as Celtic made it a winning start to the season.

Celtic: N Curran, S Megahey, B Connolly, E Gargan, M Rice (capt), G Collins, C McCartan, J Curran, S Ferris, C Doherty, C Kerr.

Subs: P Ferris, R Dornan.

Yellow card: J Curran.

Newtownabbey: S Keatley, A Thompson, E Burch (capt), N Morrison, W McCrum, J McAllister, J Millar, P McCann, J Semple, B Hassan.

Subs: J Bingham, L Davidson, M McCrum.

Yellow cards: N Morrison, W McCrum, J McAllister, J Millar.

Referee: C Stewart.

Celtic Bhoys 5

4th Newtownabbey OB 4

AMATEUR LEAGUE DIVISION 2B