Enfield Celtic hosted BJD Celtic at Flomax Park on the evening of 12 September 2025, with kick-off at 8:00pm in a crucial league fixture. Despite a spirited performance and a hat-trick from Phil Conolly, Enfield Celtic were edged out 4-3 in a thrilling contest refereed by Billy Cruise.
Enfield Celtic lined up in a classic 4-3-3 formation, aiming to balance defensive solidity with attacking flair. Sean Coyle took his place between the sticks as goalkeeper, protected by a back four consisting of Jack Campion at right back, central defenders Evan Treacy and Nathan Kearney, and Conor Geraghty on the left. The midfield trio featured Dylan Mcdonagh on the right, Evan Geraghty centrally, and Sean McKeon on the left, tasked with both defensive duties and supporting the front line. Up front, the three-pronged attack was spearheaded by Phil Conolly as the central striker, flanked by Ethan McLoughlin on the right and Sean McRedmond on the left. On the bench, Enfield Celtic had Ciaran Gorman, Davey Morgan, Sean O’Shea, and Jake McCreddin ready to make an impact.
The match began disastrously for Enfield Celtic as BJD Celtic struck twice within the opening ten minutes, taking a commanding 2-0 lead inside the first quarter of an hour. The early goals put the home side on the back foot, forcing them to chase the game from the outset. The first half continued with BJD Celtic maintaining their advantage, and despite efforts from Enfield Celtic, the score remained 2-0 at the break.
After the interval, Enfield Celtic emerged with renewed vigour and tactical adjustments. At 55 minutes, Phil Conolly opened the scoring for the hosts, expertly finishing inside the box with his left foot following a neat short pass from Dylan Mcdonagh on the right flank. This goal sparked hope and immediately after, a tactical substitution saw Ciaran Gorman replace central midfielder Evan Geraghty to inject fresh energy into the midfield. A minute later, Davey Morgan came on for left forward Sean McRedmond, signalling a shift in attacking approach.
Ten minutes later, Conolly doubled his tally with a close-range finish inside the box, this time converting a precise cross from Ethan McLoughlin on the right. The striker’s predatory instincts were on full display as he calmly slotted the ball home with his left foot. However, the celebrations were tempered by disciplinary issues as Nathan Kearney received a yellow card for persistent infringements at 65 minutes, swiftly followed by a caution for Conolly himself a minute later for similar offences.
BJD Celtic responded with a goal of their own at the 70-minute mark, restoring their two-goal cushion and putting pressure back on Enfield Celtic. The home side’s woes were compounded at 73 minutes when Dylan Mcdonagh was forced off due to injury, replaced by Sean O’Shea. Simultaneously, a tactical change saw Jake McCreddin come on for the booked Nathan Kearney, aiming to shore up the defence.
BJD Celtic extended their lead further at 78 minutes, making it 4-2 and leaving Enfield Celtic with a mountain to climb in the closing stages. Undeterred, Enfield Celtic pressed forward and were rewarded at 86 minutes when Phil Conolly completed his hat-trick with a towering header from a cross delivered by Sean McKeon. The goal injected late drama into the fixture, narrowing the deficit to 4-3 and setting up a frantic finale.
Despite their best efforts, Enfield Celtic were unable to find an equaliser, and BJD Celtic held on to secure a hard-fought victory. Phil Conolly’s hat-trick was the standout individual performance of the evening, earning him the player of the match accolade for his clinical finishing and tireless work rate.
The defeat leaves Enfield Celtic reflecting on a game where early defensive lapses proved costly, but also one where their attacking potential was clearly evident. The tactical substitutions and spirited second-half display showed character, but ultimately the visitors’ early dominance and late resilience ensured all three points were taken from Flomax Park.
