Flynn goal fires Celbridge past Sash and into semi-final

Celbridge Paddy Wall keeps tight hold of procession despite the tackle from Tadhg Hoey of Sarsfields in the Joe Mallon SFC quarter-final at Manguard Park. Photo: Sean Brilly

placeholder image — Celbridge Paddy Wall keeps tight hold of procession despite the tackle from Tadhg Hoey of Sarsfields in the Joe Mallon SFC quarter-final at Manguard Park. Photo: Sean Brilly

Joe Mallon Motors Senior Football Championship Quarter Finals

Celbridge 1-14

Sarsfields 1-11

Celbridge are into the semi-final of the Senior Football Championship after they beat Sarsfields in Manguard Park.

The eventual winners kept The Sash at arms length for much of the second half, with the scoring difference being Celbridge’s first half goal from Kevin Flynn.

Celbridge would pull clear down the home stretch however as their star man up front Paddy Brophy kicked three consecutive scores in the closing minutes.

Both from free-kicks and play, Brophy was clinical in front of the posts on the day. His six points was the outstanding scoring contribution for the winning side.

There would be one last moment of jeopardy however as Sarsfields poured forward late on. After seeing multiple teammates running into a wall of blue with little positive outcome, Con Kavanagh took aim at the posts.

Kavanagh appeared to be resigned to taking a point after several fruitless phases of play. However, Kavanagh’s effort would dip underneath the crossbar and into the top left corner of the net to set up a grandstand finish.

The goal would be little more than a consolation though and raising their first green flag four minutes into injury time was too little too late for the trailing side.

Celbridge always appeared the stronger team in this game and it proved so as they were the side to kick on in this fixture after a slow start from both.

Two quick-fire points from Tony Archbold and Fergal Conway put Celbridge in front, with Conway’s coming from the kickout following the first.

Archbold would be on the scoreboard again as he showed his pace and gyle to slot one between the posts.

Sarsfields would respond through Con Kavanagh before Celbridge raised the first green flag of the afternoon.

The game changed in an instant as Kevin Flynn provided a goal that was worth the price of admission. Flynn was given possession before driving through the heart of the Sarsfields backline and rifling the ball into the roof of the net. 1-4 to 0-2.

Barry Coffey would lead the charge back into this game with some exemplary free-taking. Coffey’s set-pieces and a superb long-ranger in particular just before the break meant Sarsfields went in at the break down 1-6 to 0-6.

The second half would be much higher energy than the first but Celbridge always appeared to have the upper hand. The eventual winners kept The Sash at arm’s length as they traded scores at either end.

Sarsfields would never get closer than three points from their opponents for the remainder of the game, barring a brief period just after half-time following a Karl Hartley point.

In the end, Celbridge were good value for their win and look well placed to be a Championship contender following a convincing display.

MAIN MAN

Kevin Flynn

The goal was a moment of magic from the county star and it wasn’t an isolated incident with Flynn opening up Sarsfields on several occasions throughout the game. In truth, the wing-back may be disappointed his goal in the 21st minute was his only on the day.

TURNING POINT

The aforementioned Flynn goal was crucial in this game as it fired Celbridge into a five-point lead at a delicate point in the game with 10 minutes to go in the openng half. It undoubtedly knocked back Sarsfields who were unable carve out a moment of similar quality when it mattered most.

TALKING POINT

Celbridge are the team best positioned to challenge Naas was my big takeaway from this game. Registering 1-14 and a very strong defensive display, with the exception of the late goal concession, was a superb showing in this tie.

WHAT NOW?

Celbridge will now face Athy in the semi-finals on October 7.

Celbridge, Paddy Brophy 0-6 (0-4 frees), Kevin Flynn 1-0, Fergal Conway 0-3, Tony Archbold 0-2, Dean O'Donoghue 0-1, Liam O'Flynn 0-1, Davy Hughes 0-1 (0-1 frees).

Sarsfields, Barry Coffey 0-6 (0-6 frees), Con Kavanagh 1-1, Karl Hartley 0-2, Calum Bolton 0-1, Conor Hartley 0-1.

CELBRIDGE: Shane McNamara; John Clarke, Hughie McGrillen, Mick O'Grady; Kevin Flynn, Mick Konstantin, Liam O'Flynn; Dean O'Donoghue, Tony Archbold; Paddy Wall, Killian Browne, Kevin O'Callaghan; Davy Hughes, Fergal Conway, Paddy Brophy. Subs: Aaron Browne for Killian Browne (37 minutes), Conor Plunkett for Paddy Wall (47 minutes), Niall O'Regan for Davy Hughes (48 minutes), Peter McAteer for Dean O'Donoghue (64 minutes).

SARSFIELDS: Mark Courtney Byrne; Cian Hughes, Shea Ryan, Kieran Dwyer; Colm Harnett, Sean Campbell, Cian Byrne; Tadhg Hoey, David Shalvey; Barry Coffey, Conor Hartley, Con Kavanagh; Ray Cahill, Calum Bolton, Karl Hartley. Subs: Alan Smith for Conor Hartley (37 minutes), David Higgins for Sean Campbell (37 minutes), Dan Nea for Karl Hartley (50 minutes), Jake Loakman for Ray Cahill (51 minutes), Gary White for David Shalvey (56 minutes).

Referee: Conor Daly