McLaughlin strike breaks Celtic hearts

McLaughlin strike breaks Celtic hearts

16 October 2019

KILLOUGH came from behind on Saturday at Kilmore playing fields to knock holders Celtic Bhoys out of the Bobby Dalzell Cup and progress to the quarter-final stage. 

This clash very much lived up to your typical derby match with tackles flying in hard, thick and fast.

Celtic took the lead on 20 minutes when Sean McMahon broke down the right hand flank before sublimely finishing into the bottom left hand corner, from the acutest of angles, to leave Killough ‘keeper Hinc with no chance. 

At this point the Killough defence was struggling to deal with Nathan Curran’s long kick outs and Celtic had a number of chances to further extend their lead, but failed to convert. 

Killough almost drew level on the stroke of half-time but Jack McLaughlin was well thwarted by Curran with the score remaining 1-0 at the break. 

As the second half progressed, Celtic seemed to be in control and looked comfortable as they maintained the lion’s share of possession.

However, a catastrophic 10 minute period for the home side would prove pivotal in this cup affair. 

With 65 minutes gone Hinc hit a long clear out which appeared to be going safely to Hoops’ ‘keeper Curran. However a mis-communication in the Celtic rearguard allowed Riain Burns to nip in and nick the ball into the empty Celtic net. 

Five minutes later, Celtic were again guilty of a lapse of concentration when a misplaced short free kick allowed Killough to break on the counterattack, Curran brought down the advancing McLaughlin and was giving his marching orders for the tackle.

This rallied the visitors and they put Celtic under the cosh for the next 10 minute period, but failed to create any clear openings. Celtic did have a great opportunity to go ahead on 80 minutes when McMahon played in Stevie Galbraith, but he pulled his first time shot wide, not realising he had some further time and space to compose himself.

The deciding goal of the game came on 89 minutes in controversial fashion when Celtic defender Ricky Kerr went to clear his lines, but appeared to be pulled down in the process and dispossessed.

The referee waved play on and McLaughlin took full advantage by firing low and hard into the bottom corner from just inside the box, much to the shock of the protesting Celtic sideline. 

Celtic went all out in search of the equaliser and they nearly got it in the final seconds of the game when Galbraith got on the end of a long ball, but was denied by the advancing Hinc from close range.