Boyle Celtic are out of this seasons Connacht Cup, after being edged out by Ballinasloe Town in a very tight contest. Just one goal seperated the sides and so few were the clear-cut chances throughout, that one goal was always going to decide it. It was ironic that just before the Ballinasloe goal, Celtic produced the move of the game and James Carty came within a hairs breadth of heading home Lee McKillens perfect cross. Disappointment on the day but much to look forward to, from this young team.
The first 35 minutes were controlled by Boyle Celtic but they could not create a scoreable chance in front of goal. To Ballinasloe’s credit they were well organised and looked comfortable under the pressure that Boyle were exerting. With 5 minutes remaining of the first half, the turning point of the game, from Boyles point of view, came along as freakish as i’ve ever seen. The very influential Killian Conboy, collected a ball on the edge of the box, layed it off and turned to continue the move towards the Ballinasloe goal. Under no pressure and without any challenge he crumpled in a heap, clutching his upper arm which we later learned had gone into spasm. Some time later, after a bit of oxygen, he relaxed and the arm returned to normal. Thankfully he is fine.
The incident however, proved both disturbing and distracting for the Boyle lads. They never recovered their composure or concentration after that and it was Ballinasloe who produced the better football in the second half. Somewhat against the run of play, Celtic got McKillen free down the right and his pin-point cross was missed by the narrowest of margins by young Carty, flying in at the back post. What seemed like seconds later, Ballinasloe got a very dubious free-kick and it was headed home at the front post. Celtic were a goal down.
Boyle tried heroically, to a man, to regain parity but Ballinasloes defence stood firm. The game fizzled out as a spectacle towards the end with Ballinasloe camping in their own box and Boyle Celtic unable to create an opening to take the game into extra time. It was a good experience however for the young players in the Boyle ranks.
Next Sunday Boyle are away to Strand Celtic @ 11am in the Super League.
Team: Alan Duffy, Colm Brennan, Mick McHale, Noel McKenna, Owen O Donohoe, Brian McCrann, Killian Conboy, John Connolly, Lee McKillen, Michael Corrigan, James Carty. With: Martin Mullen, Johnny Dwyer, Sean Duignan
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