In a thrilling cup encounter at Kingscourt on 1st March 2025, Enfield Celtic 2nds emerged victorious with a 2-1 win against Kingscourt Harps AFC. The match, which kicked off at 5:00 pm, showcased a blend of tactical prowess and individual brilliance, culminating in a hard-fought victory for the visitors.
Enfield Celtic 2nds lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for fluid attacking transitions. Jodi Campion took his place in goal, shielded by a back four consisting of Aaron Mulqueen on the right, Paul Burdett and Paddy Haslam in central defence, and Alex Curtis on the left. The midfield duo of David Burke and Sean Carter was tasked with controlling the tempo and linking play, while the attacking trio featured Sean Gallagher on the right, Stewart Murnane in the central attacking role, and Keith Larkin on the left. Up front, Sean Coyle led the line, looking to exploit any defensive lapses from the opposition.
The substitutes for Enfield Celtic 2nds included Dan Carolan, Jack Maher, and Darragh Curtis, who would be ready to make an impact as the match progressed.
The match began with both teams probing for weaknesses, but it was Enfield Celtic's goalkeeper, Jodi Campion, who found himself in the referee's book early on, receiving a yellow card for deliberate handball in the 18th minute. This incident set the tone for a fiercely contested match.
Kingscourt Harps AFC took the lead in the 29th minute, capitalising on a moment of defensive uncertainty from Enfield Celtic. The home side's goal sent a ripple of concern through the visiting ranks, but the response was swift and decisive.
Just five minutes later, Enfield Celtic equalised through Sean Coyle, who found the back of the net after a well-timed assist from Alex Curtis. This goal not only restored parity but also injected fresh energy into the visitors' performance.
As the first half drew to a close, Enfield Celtic took the lead in stoppage time when Sean Gallagher scored, again assisted by the industrious Alex Curtis. This late goal was a significant psychological boost, giving Enfield a 2-1 advantage as they headed into the break.
The second half saw Kingscourt Harps AFC attempt to regroup and find an equaliser. However, their frustrations mounted as they received a yellow card for unsporting behaviour in the 58th minute, reflecting the mounting pressure they were under.
In a tactical move, Enfield Celtic made their first substitution in the 63rd minute, bringing on Dan Carolan for David Burke. This change aimed to bolster their midfield presence and maintain control of the game.
As the match progressed, Kingscourt continued to struggle with discipline, receiving another yellow card in the 71st minute. Enfield Celtic, sensing an opportunity to solidify their lead, made further tactical adjustments with two substitutions in the 74th minute. Jack Maher replaced Paddy Haslam, while Darragh Curtis came on for Keith Larkin, both changes aimed at freshening up the side as they sought to maintain their advantage.
Despite their efforts, Enfield Celtic faced a late challenge when Sean Coyle was cautioned for unsporting behaviour in the 84th minute. However, the visitors held firm, demonstrating resilience and composure in the closing stages.
As the final whistle blew, Enfield Celtic 2nds celebrated a hard-earned victory, with Sean Gallagher's performance earning him the accolade of Player of the Match. The win not only secured their progression in the cup but also showcased their ability to respond to adversity, setting a positive tone for the remainder of the season.
