In a pulsating tournament clash at Flomax Park on 22 March 2025, Enfield Celtic 3rds edged past Johnstown 2nds with a narrow 4-3 victory. The match, which kicked off at 3:00 pm, saw both teams display attacking flair and resilience, culminating in a thrilling contest that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
Enfield Celtic 3rds adopted a 4-2-3-1 formation, which provided a solid defensive base while allowing for fluid attacking transitions. Eoin Cross was stationed in goal, shielded by a back four comprising Peter O'Sullivan on the right, Paul Burdett and Mark Halvey in central defence, and Ashton Hughes on the left. The midfield duo of Dylan McDonagh and Karl Hynes were tasked with controlling the centre of the park, while Rimas Drobinin and Sean McPhillips operated as right and left attacking midfielders, respectively. Sean Gallagher played just behind lone striker Dillion Pender, aiming to link play and create goal-scoring opportunities. The substitutes for the match included Evan Geraghty, Phil Conolly, Shaun Nugent, David Borda, and Sean Carter.
The match began with an unexpected twist as Johnstown 2nds took the lead in the 18th minute through a fluke goal, scored with a right-footed effort that caught the Enfield defence off guard. However, the response from Enfield was immediate and emphatic. Just a minute later, Rimas Drobinin found the net, capitalising on a goalmouth scramble following a flick assist from Karl Hynes, restoring parity for the visitors.
As the first half progressed, Enfield Celtic suffered an early setback when Sean Gallagher had to be substituted due to injury, with Evan Geraghty taking his place in the 30th minute. The match continued to ebb and flow, but it was Enfield's Ashton Hughes who found himself in the referee's book just before half-time for persistent infringements.
The second half commenced with Johnstown once again taking the lead in the 48th minute, as they scored another fluke goal from outside the box with a right-footed strike. Enfield, however, were undeterred and made tactical changes to regain control. Phil Conolly replaced Rimas Drobinin in the 54th minute, followed closely by Shaun Nugent coming on for Peter O'Sullivan and David Borda replacing Dillion Pender, both in the 55th minute.
The turning point came in the 58th minute when Evan Geraghty, now fully integrated into the game, scored with a right-footed effort from close range, assisted by Shaun Nugent's precise cross. This goal revitalised Enfield's hopes, and they surged forward with renewed vigour. In the 68th minute, Phil Conolly put Enfield ahead for the first time, converting a long pass from Sean Carter with a left-footed strike.
Despite Enfield's lead, Johnstown were not finished yet. In the 70th minute, they equalised once more with another fluke goal, this time scored with a left-footed effort that left the Enfield defence scrambling. The match was finely poised, but Enfield's determination shone through as they pressed for a winner.
In the 79th minute, Dylan McDonagh found the net, scoring from inside the box after receiving a short pass from Ashton Hughes, putting Enfield back in front at 4-3. The final moments of the match were tense, with both teams pushing for further goals. David Borda received a yellow card for dissent in the dying minutes, but Enfield held firm to secure a hard-fought victory.
The match concluded with Enfield Celtic 3rds celebrating a thrilling 4-3 win, showcasing their resilience and attacking prowess in a contest that will be remembered for its drama and excitement.
