Cleary Celtic remain in hunt for Mid-Ulster Shield hat-trick

Cleary Celtic stamped their authority on the Mid-Ulster Shield when they made it past Bessbrook United in the semi-final at the now-familiar Holm Park on Friday night keeping the dream of their third title in a row on the cards.

Benny Coulter made a magnificent save on the line at the death to deny the Brook a chance to take the game to extra time and Cleary held on until the final whistle to win 2-1.

The crowds came out in force for this hotly-anticipated derby clash between familiar foes who had many battles in the Carnbane League before the Brook made the move to the Mid-Ulster League where they now compete in Division 2.

All three goals on Friday night came in the first half, the first an absolute screamer into the roof of the net from the edge of the box by Cleary’s Mark Hughes in the seventh minute.

This match was typical derby fare, with both sides battling for every ball and much of the action in mid-field and it looked like it was game on when Bessbrook veteran Gareth Hughes equalised from a corner as half-time approached.

The Brook players and supporters had barely finished celebrating however when Cleary went on the counter attack and their talisman Neill Barr hit the net.

The second half was a cagy affair, with Cleary intent on keeping their narrow lead intact and defending well. They had chances to increase the lead but Bessbrook keeper Peter Murphy pulled off some good saves.

His side didn’t create too many chances until late on when Coulter denied Caolan Flanagan the equaliser with 87 minutes played with the aforementioned save on the line. That turned out to be the last chance for the Brook, as minutes later Cleary were celebrating when the final whistle blew.

Carnbane League fans may be in for another derby treat if Rossowen can make it past Sandy Hill in the other semi-final to be played on March 1. If that doesn’t come to pass, it will be a repeat of last year’s Mid-Ulster Shield final where a 0-0 draw after extra time saw Cleary beat Sandy Hill on penalties.

For full match report see this week’s Newry Reporter in shops on Wednesday