In an exhilarating league encounter at Flomax Park on 20 April 2025, Enfield Celtic 3rds showcased their attacking prowess with a resounding 8-3 victory over Ballyhaise Celtic. The match kicked off at 2:00pm, with referee Lee Hermitage officiating the action-packed contest.
Enfield Celtic 3rds lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, designed to maximise their offensive capabilities while maintaining a solid defensive structure. Eoin Cross took his place in goal, shielded by a back four comprising Peter O'Sullivan and Brandon Tait as the right and left defenders, respectively, with David Burke and Alex Curtis forming the central defensive partnership. In midfield, Stephen Maher operated on the right, with Alex Kearney and Charlie Jordan occupying central and left midfield roles. Up front, Rimas Drobinin and Sean McPhillips flanked striker Slu Zaka, who was tasked with leading the line and finishing chances. The substitutes for the match included Jody Campion, Darragh Curtis, Ashton Hughes, Sean Carter, and Jack Maher.
The match began with an unexpected twist as Ballyhaise Celtic took the lead in the 18th minute. A fluke goal from the opponents, scored with a right foot from close range, stunned the home side and set the tone for a thrilling encounter. However, Enfield Celtic responded swiftly, equalising just seven minutes later. Slu Zaka found the net with a well-placed shot inside the box, courtesy of a short pass from Alex Kearney.
Ballyhaise Celtic quickly regained their lead in the 25th minute, scoring again with a header from close range. This back-and-forth action continued as Enfield Celtic pressed for an equaliser, and their efforts bore fruit once more. Just before half-time, the score stood at 2-1 in favour of the visitors, but Enfield Celtic's determination was palpable.
After the break, Ballyhaise Celtic extended their lead to 3-1 in the 57th minute, with another right-footed effort that left the home crowd disheartened. However, Enfield Celtic was far from finished. In the 59th minute, Stephen Maher converted a penalty, assisted by Charlie Jordan, bringing the score to 3-2. The momentum shifted dramatically as Enfield Celtic seized control of the match.
In quick succession, Rimas Drobinin scored in the 61st minute, with Sean McPhillips providing the assist, levelling the match at 3-3. Tactical substitutions followed, with Darragh Curtis replacing Sean McPhillips and Ashton Hughes coming on for Stephen Maher shortly thereafter. The changes revitalised the home side, and in the 72nd minute, Jack Maher netted a stunning goal from outside the box, assisted by Sean Carter, putting Enfield Celtic ahead for the first time at 4-3.
The relentless attacking continued, with Slu Zaka scoring his second goal of the match in the 73rd minute, thanks to a short pass from Darragh Curtis. Enfield Celtic's dominance was evident, and Ashton Hughes added to the tally in the 76th minute, scoring from inside the box after receiving a pass from Stephen Maher.
As the match approached its final stages, Sean McPhillips made his mark again, heading in a goal in the 83rd minute, assisted by Ashton Hughes, extending the lead to 7-3. Darragh Curtis capped off the scoring in the 88th minute with a long-range strike, assisted by Sean Carter, sealing an emphatic 8-3 victory for Enfield Celtic 3rds.
The match was a testament to Enfield Celtic's attacking flair and resilience, with David Burke earning accolades as the standout player of the match. The home side's performance will surely be remembered as one of their finest displays this season, leaving fans eager for more thrilling football in the weeks to come.
