Under 12 Premier Division 2010/11
Portlaoise 5 – 1 Moone Celtic, September 25th
A long drive to Portlaoise saw Moone lose to a very good team. Portlaoise dominated most areas of the pitch and apart from a good run and shot by Mark Lidierth the first half was one way traffic and good movement up front saw Portflaoise 2-0 up a halftime. Moone pressed hard from the start of the second half and were rewarded by a goal from Josh Miller after good work from Oran Bergin and Evan Stephenson. The equalising goal just wouldn't come, most unlucky being Mark Jackson who hit the post and created some good chances for his team mates. Portlaoise broke away and scored and with Moone chasing the game they grabbed two more goals near the end. Portlaoise are a very good team and Moone will benefit from being tested so hard.
Moone Celtic 1 - 1 Newbridge B, September 18th
Heavy rain at Fortfield greeted two teams who know each other well from last season. Moone started brightly and Josh Millar was really driving forward and hit the post after 2 earlier shots just too high. Newbridge were resolute and determined with Stephen Foley and Mark Dempsey battling hard. 0-0 at halftime was probably fair. 2nd half saw substitute Mark Jackson make a real impact and with Connor Sullivan making some great runs Moone were pressing hard. Finally with 2 minutes to go David Herd was beaten after some fine saves. Oran Bergin and Stephen Coyne combined well and Bergin fired into the top corner. Newbridge were stug into action and earned a free kick at the edge of the penalty area Newbridge fired over the wall and Tali Davis made a good save but following up Jordan McGrath juggled with the ball before beating the despairing dives of the defenders from close range with almost the final kick of the game . On balance probably a fair result but Moone players were heartbroken having come so close to taking all the points.
Moone Celtic 3 Rathangan 2, 4th Sept 2010
What a fabulous way to christen the new pitch at Fortfield Park as 2 fantastic teams battled to the very end in a pulsating game. Moone started brightly but a resolute Rathangan defence lead by an outstanding Aaron Callaghan kept the scores level for 15
minutes. A fine pass by Connor Sullivan saw Oran Bergin just reach the ball before the Rathangan keeper who was unlucky to be penalised. Oran picked himself up to calmly score from the spot. Rathangan went on the attack for the rest of the half and just before the break Connor Jameson fired in a great shot from outside the box Tali Davis just got his fingertip to it but not enough to stop the ball bursting into the top of the net. Moone started the second half with all guns blazing and great interplay from Josh Miller and Mark Jackson put Bergin clear and he blasted the ball into the net. End to end play followed and Rathangan got their reward for a series of corners when Darragh O’Loughlin fired into the top corner. Moone were stung into action and only great
defence from Rathangan with Nathan Cullen to the fore kept the teams level. Two minutes to go, Bergin breaks and crosses, substitute Jack Lawlor controls and shoots towards past the Keeper. Defender Cian O’Neill throws himself across the goal but had to use his arm to stop the ball. A red card and a penalty, but Cian really had no choice. Man of the match Bergin sends the keeper the wrong way to score his hat trick.
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Under 11 Major Division 2009/10
Moone Celtic 1 (2) Newbridge C 0 (2) 4th May
(Moone advance on away goals)
2-1 down from the first leg made Moone determined to attack from the start. Oran Bergin was finding great positions but great tackling and sound goalkeeping kept the scores level. Josh Miller was controlling midfield and the ball rarely reached the Moone defence. Halftime and still no score but both teams were playing a good competitive game with no quarter asked or given. With 10 minutes to go the large crowd at Belan Avenue were getting worried that for all Moone's attacking there was no killer finish. Mark Jackson forced a corner and substitute Jack Lawlor was sent on to change the shape of the attack. Oran Bergin corner beat the first line of defence and Connor Sullivan fired the ball into the back of the net. The crowd erupted but Newbridge refused to lie down. They pushed forward in defence and only great work from Paul Huntingdon and Luke Kerins kept the tie in Moone's favour. The final whistle came with jubilation for Moone and heartbreak for Newbridge. Newbridge defended magnificently and were only 10 minutes from a result.
Moone Celtic 0 - 2 Clane Red 24th April
The wind was up as this entertaining and competitive game ebbed and flowed with both teams trying to play good football. 20 minutes into the game and the match changing moment came. Clane broke down the right and when Moone failed to clear Kyle Hussey let fly from at least 25 yards. Tal Davis in the Moone goal was left stranded as the ball flew into the top of the net. Moone pressed hard from the restart and were awarded a penalty. Oran Bergin who had been outstanding stepped forward to take the spot kick but failed to keep the ball below the cross bar. Five minutes later and Bergin broke through the Clane defence only for Harry Kelly to make one of his many outstanding saves. Moone tried to throw more bodies forward and Connor Sullivan and Stephen Coyne both came close but Clane’s defence led magnificently by Brian Corbett were resolute. Clane made the game safe when Ross Kinsella broke through the defence and calmly lobbed the keeper. Time for another couple of chances for Moone but to no avail. Ones of those days for Moone but Clane march on the better team on the day and deservedly into the shield semi final.
Moone Celtic 3 - 1 Newbridge Town C 10th April
Sunshine in Moone saw a bright entertaining game by two teams who played quality soccer. A very tight first 15 minutes saw Moone take the lead with a lucky goal. Josh Miller shot from the edge of the box and a wicked bounce left the Newbridge goalkeeper stranded. Moone used this luck to take control of the game and another goal from Man of the Match Miller and a fine headed goal by Mark Jackson gave the home team the cushion they would need later. Evan Stephenson, Oran Bergin and Stephen Coyne were really giving the Newbridge defense trouble and but for great work from Colm Harnett and Jamie Meenan the difference could have been even greater. Newbridge came out strongly in the second half with Ben O’Dowd and Daragh Ryan playing really well. The goal they deserved finally came after a hand ball in the box. Brian McDonald’s strike to the corner gave the Moone keeper no chance. The final 10 minutes saw chances for both teams and but for some great defending by Moone’s Paul Huntingdon, and the Jack’s Keenan and Lawlor the game could have had a dramatic ending. The stronger team won on the day but these young lads from Newbridge will be a fine team in the U11 Premier next year.
Moone Celtic 7 – 0 Bush Celtic 13th March
Sunshine in Belan greeted two teams who are getting to know each other well. Moone attacked from the start and only some resolute defending and some great saves by the Bush keeper kept the score even. Eric Doran was particularly prominent marauding down the left with Mark McGinley in support. A tactical switch saw Mark Jackson break the deadlock after some great work by Mark Lidierth. Jackson looked the consummate centre forward as he first scored with his right before setting up Justin Gallagher who got the reward for his hard work with his first goal. Mark then completed his hat trick with a left foot pile driver. Half time saw mass substitution and Bush used the confusion to push forward and they were rightly awarded a penalty. The well struck shot saw Tal Davis make a fine diving save. Moone then broke clear with two great long range goals from Oran Bergin and Evan Stephenson. More changes saw James Kelly go in goals and Tal go up front. After some clever work from Evan the cross was met by Tal Davis who capped his man of the match performance with a fine headed goal. The game was closer than 7-0 but Moone were determined to make sure their league season ended the way it should. U11 Major Division Champions: Played 14 won 14. Great year for a great set of lads
Moone Celtic 6 - 1 Arlington, January 30th
Bright sunshine and bright football from both teams made for a very competitive start. After 10 minutes Moone started a spell of 4 goals in 10 minutes that settled the game. Mark Jackson’s corner was flicked on by Oran Bergin and a volley from Jack Keenan was great to watch. Even better was to follow as Oran again created space and found Stephen Coyne who cut inside and curled a shot into the corner. Mark Jackson got a goal to reward his hard work before a long rage shot by Evan Stephenson was no less than he deserved. Mass substitutions by Moone at halftime created a fascinating contest and Arlington’s hard work was exemplified by Simba and Moody. Josh Millar was outstanding in the second half and scored a goal after a fine run. Arlington were rewarded with a penalty which was calmly slotted away. Outstanding work by Alfie Dunne, Mark Lawlor, Dylan Corcoran and Adam Byrne meant that Moone stayed on top and Mark Lidiert scored after a great passing movement opened up the defence. Moone’s squad showed strength in depth that augurs well for the future. Moone deserved their win but the score did not reflect the hard work Arlington put into making this a great game.
Moone Celtic 4 - 0 Newbridge Town C, November 28th
SFAI Cup 3rd Round
Moone Celtic 0 - 3 Newbridge A, November 7th
With these two teams unbeaten so far this season then something had to give. The first 20 minutes saw both teams competing passionately for every tackle and inch of muddy ground. The deadlock was broken by James Byrne who was first to react to a through ball from Cian Costigan and with only the keeper to beat he finished it calmly. 5 minutes later it was almost déjà vu as a through ball from Gavin Maher left James to double the lead. The second half saw Moone playing some great passing football without the killer touch to breakdown a resolute Newbridge defence for whom Gavin Maher was outstanding. Moone threw men forward to get back in the game which was always going to leave gaps and James Byrne again broke through and raced away to seal the game and his hat trick. Moone’s determination was exemplified by Josh Millar, Mark McGinley, Eric Doran and Mark Jackson but all the lads gave it their all and should be proud of their performance. These teams will meet many times in the future and it will be a rare day when 3 goals separate the two teams. Today Newbridge were the better team. They took their chances when they had them and made the key tackles when they had to.
SFAI Cup 1st Round
Railway Union 1 - 5 Moone Celtic, September 27th
An early start and a long drive to Sandymount in Dublin was made worthwhile by a great performance by the whole u11 squad. Playing against the wind Moone had control and possession without the killer touch until Mark Jackson was pulled down in the box after making a good break. Mark dusted himself down and calmly slotted the penalty home. Railway came back into the game and broke clear only for Tali Davis to make an important save. 1-0 at halftime was making the travelling support nervous. 3 subs at halftime made the approach more direct and only great goal keeping kept it close. Josh Miller who was outstanding throughout eventually unleashed a deadly shot with his left foot that flew into the top corner. Oran Bergin was causing real trouble down the left and put in a great cross where the Jack Lawlor scored a real centre forwards goal. Railway came back into it with a fluky goal from the back of their centre forward's head that sneaked under the bar. Eric Doran scored a fin!
e goal and then a brilliant Oran Bergin shot sealed the game. Great team work kept the unbeaten run going and our man of the match was Mark McGinley who covered every inch of the right hand side and nevered shirked from a tackle.
Moone Celtic 2 - 1 Newbridge Town, September 19th
The cliche of 'a game of two halves' could not have been more true in this fantastic game. The first half saw Moone using the width provided by Evan Stephenson and Stephen Coyne to great effect. Moone's Josh Miller lead by example and his strike for the first goal was well deserved. The second goal from Mark Jackson saw Moone deservedly two up at half time. The second half was a diferent matter and saw Newbridge pushing forward and denying their opposition width. Captain Stephen Foley was outstanding and when Adanm Sweeney scored it really was anybody's game. Moone's attempts to break out and stretch their lead were thwarted by Shane Higgins who made numerous great tackles. Moone held out through some desperate defending at times and kept their unbeaten run going.
Moone Celtic 8 - 0 Mill Celtic, September 12th
The sun shone on Moone as the under 11 soccer team produced their best performance of the season. Great passing in the first half particularly by Stephen Coyne, Connor Sullivan, Paul Huntingdon and Josh Miller lead to 3 goals in the first half from Eric Doran, Evan Stephenson and a stunning goal from Mark Lidier. A full compliment of substitutions allowed Moone to fare better in the heat and goals from Mark McGinley (2), Mark Jackson (2) and Luke Kerins made the score more flattering than it should have been. Mill Celtic worked tirelessly and tackled their hearts out but the run of the ball was with Moone who continue their unbeaten start to the season.
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Under 10's Major 1 Division 2008/09
Moone Celtic 6 - 0 Kynog United, February 28th
Moone U10’s put in an excellent display in Belan Avenue as they knew they would have to do against a very good Kynog side. Moone went one up in the first half when Oran Bergin again demonstrated the great form he is in when he struck to the net. Mark Jackson then got on the score sheet with a fine strike. Bergin got his second just before the half time whistle. Johnny Byrne and Keith Donoghue for Kynog lead by example battling to the last against this nice passing Moone side.
Moone however continued to attack and added further goals from Josh Miller, Evan Stephenson and Paul Huntington. Jackson and Bergin added further goals to their tally’s before the finish. Other players of note for Moone were Eric Doran, Luke Kerins, Ewan Galloway and James Kelly. Catherine Fallon of Kynog was as always superb between the posts, as were Johnny Byrne and Keith Donoghue in their respective positions.
Moone U10’s remarkable good run of form continued here despite a very close shave against a valiant
Sallins Celtic 2 - 6 Moone Celtic, 24th January
Another excellent team performance by this strong Moone side brought about a solid result. Missing the ever dependable Tali Davis in the Moone goal, Moone were forced into shuffling the teamshape somewhat. Despite this with Oran Bergin producing a man of the match performance Moone were not going to be undone. Oran's performance saw him score two cracking goals, both dispatched to the net after neat play cutting in from the right touchline. Josh Miller provided excellent support play all game also and himself got the scoresheet moments later. Others to get in on the scoring act were Mark Jackson, Eric Doran and Jack Keenan. Sallins never gave up but found the going tough against Moones fluid passing style. Others to perform superbly for Moone were Luke Kerins, Justin Gallagher and Paul Huntington.
Moone Celtic 7-1 Bush Celtic
This ‘local derby’ was as expected intensely fought with lots of pride at stake. Moone continued their good recent form and started brightly. Despite the hardwork of the Bush midfield Moone got their first when Mark Jackson was put through and coolly finished to the top right hand corner. Mark Jackson then turned provider when he put Evan Stephenson through to score. After a mazy dribble Eric Doran then put in a perfect pinpoint cross to the back post for Jackson to sidefoot home. Mark Lidierths perfectly weighted pass allowed Stephenson to add to the scoring. Lidierths then got on scoresheet himself after some great work from the returning from injury Conor O’ Sullivan. Into the second half and Bush pushed hard to get back into the game. Bush deserved to reduce the arrears but to no avail as Eric Doran and then Luke Kerins in goal kept out Bush’s best efforts on goal. Conor O’ Sullivan got the goal his hard work merited after good combination play from Doran and Lidierths. Evan Stephenson again was the creator for Mark Jackson’s hatrick and Moone’s final goal of the day. Bush scored the goal they richly deserved in the closing stages when captain Ewan Morin scored. Others to play well for Bush were Aran O’ Keeffe-O’ Reilly and Stephen Willis. Others to put in excellent performances throughout for Moone were Tali Davis, Jack Keenan and player of the match Ewan Galloway.
