Marks Celtic 1-2 Balscadden FC 1sts

The first team progressed to round three of the Polikoff Cup with a hard-fought win in Butler Park, Jobstown on Sunday morning.

A scrappy encounter was goalless at the break with few chances for either team but Marks Celtic broke the deadlock on the hour mark after Rob Murray saved an effort from outside the box and the home striker followed up to convert the rebound.

Balscadden responded well however. Great work in the middle of the park from Stephen Sharpe saw him wheel away from his marker and ping a great ball into the path of Paddy Coates. Paddy did well to nip in ahead of the keeper and squeeze home from a tight angle.

Five minutes later, Balscadden went ahead. Luke Kimmage drove down the wing, lashed in a low cross and Paddy was there to finish it off.

Marks Celtic kept knocking at the door but we closed out the win to progress to the last 16.