Enfield Celtic 2nds Triumph In Thrilling Cup Clash Against OMP United 2nds

In a pulsating cup encounter at MDL on 8th March 2025, Enfield Celtic 2nds edged past OMP United 2nds with a final score of 4-3. The match, which kicked off at 1:30pm, showcased a rollercoaster of emotions as both teams battled fiercely for supremacy.

Enfield Celtic adopted a 4-2-3-1 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for attacking flair. Chris Mckeon stood guard in goal, with Shaun Nugent and Alex Curtis occupying the right and left defensive flanks respectively. The central defensive pairing of Sean Reynolds and Paddy Haslam was tasked with marshalling the backline. In midfield, David Burke and Jack Maher operated as central midfielders, providing both defensive cover and support to the attacking trio. Darragh Curtis played on the right, with Sean Gallagher in the central attacking midfield role, and Keith Larkin on the left, all supporting lone striker Stewart Murnane.

The substitutes for Enfield Celtic included David Borda, Stephen Kane, Keith Silvester, Brandon Tait, and Sean Mcphillips, Sean Ryan and Ashton who were poised to make an impact should the need arise.

The match began with OMP United taking an early lead in the 10th minute, catching Enfield Celtic off guard. However, the away side responded swiftly, with Alex Curtis levelling the score just five minutes later through a stunning direct free-kick that left the opposition goalkeeper rooted to the spot.

The momentum shifted further in Enfield's favour when Sean Gallagher found the back of the net in the 23rd minute, assisted by Stewart Murnane, who delivered a pinpoint pass that Gallagher converted with precision. Unfortunately, the joy was short-lived as Enfield Celtic were forced into two early substitutions due to injuries, with David Borda replacing Jack Maher and Stephen Kane coming on for Paddy Haslam.

As the first half drew to a close, Enfield Celtic held a 2-1 advantage, but the second half promised more drama. Just two minutes after the restart, Darragh Curtis extended the lead to 3-1, finishing off a well-worked move with an assist from David Borda.

However, OMP United refused to back down and struck back in the 60th minute, narrowing the gap to 3-2. The intensity of the match escalated, and in the 65th minute, the home side equalised, making it 3-3 and leaving Enfield Celtic reeling.

In a tense final few minutes, Enfield Celtic dug deep and found a late winner in the 94th minute. Keith Larkin scored a dramatic goal following a well-executed team move, with Sean Gallagher providing the assist through a long pass. Larkin's left-footed strike sent the away crowd into raptures as they celebrated a hard-fought victory.

The match concluded with Enfield Celtic 2nds emerging victorious, securing their place in the next round of the cup amidst a thrilling display of football that showcased both teams' determination and skill.