Hoops advance past Drumaness in cup

1 November 2023

CELTIC Bhoys Academy advanced to the semi-finals of this year’s Bobby Dalzell Cup after defeating a tough Drumaness Mills Reserves outfit at Ballyhornan on Saturday.

Despite horrible weather conditions resulting in a number of the weekend’s games being rescheduled, this quarter-final tie went ahead and both teams faced the added element of spells of very heavy rainfall.

However, some eye-catching football was still on display for the sizeable crowd who bravely made the trip to support their clubs, but it was the Celtic fans who left the venue happier as their side netted five times to seal the result.

The Hoops made a blistering start to the match as after just six minutes, returning veteran Paul Brady calmly controlled team-mate Michael Burns’ inviting corner kick delivery before dispatching his left-footed effort into the net.

Celtic continued to apply pressure with chances at the other end coming at a premium for Drumaness.

Sean Ferris was causing problems for the Mills’ defence in particular, and he almost doubled his team’s advantage when he latched onto a through ball from his brother, Patrick, although his effort was directed onto the post by Drumaness ‘keeper Keelan Gelston.

Ferris was also denied when his snapshot, after dummying his marker, was pushed wide by the diving Gelston.

Despite what the scoreline may suggest, the Drumaness number one was impressive throughout and made a number of saves to keep his side contention for as long as he could.

With 30 minutes played the rain had well and truly introduced itself and the surface became faster and more unpredictable to play on.

However, it didn’t deter Celtic who found their second goal when Michael Burns beat the offside trap and coolly slotted underneath ‘keeper Gelston.

Drumaness made a swift reply through striker Jason Gordon, who cut the deficit in half just two minutes later, but this margin was restored when Sean Ferris finally got his goal after his volley from the edge of the box flew into the top corner.

To their credit, Drumaness refused to lie down and returned to the pitch with a renewed sense of belief that they could get the job done.

This battling attitude resulted in a goal from midfielder Sean McQuoid, which brought them to within one just before the hour mark.

Although, this rebuttal was short-lived as two Celtic goals in as many minutes effectively killed off the Drumaness resurgence.

Firstly, Brady’s fantastic finish gave the Hoops a 4-2 lead before a Sean Ferris free-kick sealed Celtic’s place in the semi-finals.

Following the final whistle, Ferris reflected on his team’s winning performance and reaching the semi-final stage of the competition.

“We played well and I think we definitely deserved to make it through,” he said.

“We got an early goal but didn’t get carried away and stuck to the game plan. Drumaness are a tough team to break down but we knew we had the firepower to cause them problems.

“It’s always nice to get on the scoresheet, so I was happy to get two to help my team get the win.”

He added: “We are now looking forward to playing under the lights in the semi-finals and we don’t care who we are drawn against because our aim is to go all of the way.”

Celtic: C Fitzpatrick, T Loudon, R Quinn, C McDowell, D Ennis, P Brady, P Casey, J Curran, P Ferris (capt), S Ferris, M Burns.

Subs: A Connolly, C Millar, K McKeever, J McStravick.

Yellow cards: J Curran (two), P Ferris, S Ferris, C Millar.

Red card: J Curran.

Drumaness: K Gelston, O Gormley, S Curran, B Adair, N Travers (capt), G McEvoy, L Soar, S McQuoid, J Gordon, S Rafferty, C Murphy.

Subs: R Mason, G Boyd, P Rogan.

Yellow cards: S McQuoid, S Rafferty.

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