Feature game(By Jamie Connolly)

Feature game

(By Jamie Connolly) 

Casey Division 2 Cup (Semi Finals)

Newbridge Utd FC 1-3 Old Fort Celtic FC

Old Fort Celtic FC secured their place in the Casey Division 2 Cup final with a polished, clinical 3-1 victory over Newbridge United FC. 

In a compelling semi-final clash between two outfits already celebrating promotion to Division 1 for next season, Old Fort’s ruthlessness in front of goal proved decisive, setting up a mouth-watering showpiece showdown against St. Anthony’s Youths FC. The semi-final tie kicked off at an entertaining tempo, with both sides looking to get the ball down and showcase the flowing football that had earned them promotion throughout the league campaign.

Old Fort drew first blood in the 13th minute courtesy of a moment of genuine quality. Newbridge native Conor McLoughlin unlocked the United rearguard with an exquisite, teasing delivery into the box, allowing Jamie Shinners to meet the ball and apply a neat, composed finish to hand the visitors an early 1-0 advantage. Newbridge worked tirelessly to construct a response, circulating possession well, but Old Fort struck a devastating second blow shortly before the interval.  In the 42nd minute, the ever-dangerous Jack Condon Egan found space inside the penalty area and fired past the keeper to double Old Fort's cushion and send them into the dressing rooms firmly in the driver's seat at 2-0.

The second half was played at full throttle, with both teams leaving everything on the pitch in pursuit of a final appearance.  Newbridge pushed higher to cut the deficit, but Old Fort effectively killed off the tie on the counter-attack just past the hour mark. In the 67th minute, Artiom Travkin turned architect, threading an incisive pass through the lines to pick out Luke Bennett, who kept his cool under pressure to slot home for a commanding 3-0 lead. To their immense credit, Newbridge United refused to surrender without a fight. In the 76th minute, their leading marksman Jack Keogh found the net with a sharp, predatory finish to pull a goal back at 3-1. 

United threw bodies forward in the closing stages to set up a grandstand finish, but Old Fort’s defensive unit held resolute, managing the remaining minutes with total tactical discipline to see out the result.

Newbridge United can take pride in an energetic, battling display, spearheaded by Adam Smith in the engine room, Sean McDonnell's defensive work rate, and top scorer Jack Keogh, who proved his clinical pedigree once more.

For the victorious finalists, Artiom Travkin provided the creative spark with a brilliant assist, while Newbridge native Conor McLoughlin was exceptional on familiar turf, marshalling the middle third and providing the inch-perfect setup for the opener.

However, the ultimate match honors belonged to Jamie Shinners, who was named the Man of the Match. Shinners set the tone early with his clinical 13th-minute strike, linked the play effortlessly in the final third, and led the line with relentless energy to propel Old Fort Celtic into the Casey Division 2 Cup final.