Mayo kingpins Celtic pull off stunning cup success in Wexford

Hoops book place in semi-final of FAI Junior Cup

Gorey Rangers..... 2

Castlebar Celtic ... 2

(Celtic won 5-3 on penalties after extra time)

by John Corless in Gorey

Castlebar Celtic are through to the semi-final of the FAI Junior Cup after a penalty shoot out in Wexford.

Celtic were seconds from victory when Calem Devereux crashed home a stoppage time equaliser to send the tie to extra time.

Celtic had a great start taking the lead after four minutes when Paul McDermott fed Dylan Edwards on the left.

His precision cross was met in the box by Johnny Cocozza to put the visitors in front.

Stefan Hester made a brilliant point blank save from Rangers dangerman, Ethan Vickers, two minutes later, as the locals went in search of an equaliser, and was called on again when he saved Calem Deveraux’s free kick.

Out from that Rangers posed no real threat in the first half, despite good build up play.

Luke Kelly might have added to Celtic’s lead on 20 but he was smothered by the defence as he tried to get on McDermott’s cross, and Jason Hunt, first with a shot and later with a free kick, came close.

Oran Murphy dispossessed Rangers defender Paul Murphy and went on a good run, but he was forced wide and his stot didn’t make the target.

The second half was different gravy. The tempo was raised, the tackles crunched and unsolicited verbal performance reviews were shared with Waterford referee, Chris Maher, who was outstanding throughout.

Gorey equalised on 53 minutes through Paul Murphy when he headed home a Stephen Kinsella free kick.

Celtic went back in front when Jason Hunt sent a perfectly weighted pass to Luke Kelly. Kelly’s finish was text book and Celtic were 2-1 up.

Gorey pushed up and got their equaliser after a period of sustained pressure, with Hester and the crossbar (twice) saving Celtic.

Penalties from Mark Cunningham, Aiden McHale, Ben Murphy, Oran Murphy and Johnny Cocozza sent Celtic through after substitute keeper Pere Basquille, on for the injured Hester, saved from Ethan Vickers and Paul Murphy sent his wide.