LURGAN CELTIC

As our ties with Celtic Football Club grow stronger following Calvin Carter-Vickers permanent transfer from Tottenham in 2022, we’ve created a tie with Lurgan Celtic, making them an official allegiance club. As an allegiance club, we share the same values of being open and inclusive to all, and do our utmost to represent all members in our community.

In this programme, we hear their progress over the last month.

Lurgan Celtic kickstarted the month of February with a league encounter at home to high flying Keady Celtic. In testing conditions, the home side dominated albeit against a dogged and skilful opposition side that will be there or thereabouts come the end of the campaign. Lurgan Celtic got the all important first goal with 20 minutes played, when striker Reynolds forced a save from the Keady keeper, dynamic midfielder McConville was on hand to tuck away the rebound. Buoyed by this the Lurgan side were on the front foot and forced several fine saves and last ditch blocks from the Keady rearguard.

With time all but up in the first half Lurgan Celtic doubled their lead when an exquisite ball over the top by Toman allowed striker Reynolds to defly lob the Keady keeper from an acute angle. The visitors got back into the contest early in the second half, when a left wing cross was diverted into his own goal by Lurgan Celtic captain Niall Lavery. Keady’s aspirations of taking something from the contest were further lifted when the Lurgan team were reduced to 10 men following the dismissal of McAlinden, however substitutes Crawford and

Next up for the Lurgan Hoops was a trip to Dungannon to face West End Hibs in league action. The Lurgan side were quick out of the blocks with a pinpoint Judge cross field pass finding Crawford on the edge of the Hibs penalty box and he expertly controlled and fired the ball across the keeper and into the far corner of the net.

Celtic keeper McGuigan was forced into several fine saves, whilst defender Burns also cleared a goalbound shot off the line.

On the stroke of halftime the visitors doubled their tally when Toman was felled in the penalty box, and dusted himself down before dispatching the resultant penalty kick into the back of the net.

Celtic winger Douglas was a constant pain in the side of West End Hibs, creating several fine chances, although with Celtic pressing heavily for a third goal, they found themselves only a goal to the good when a breakway Hibs attack won a penalty which they slotted home to put the game back in the melting pot.

Celtic were the better team and were rewarded for their efforts when striker Reynolds headed home a Toman cross on the hour mark. Settled by the retention of their cushion, they soon extended their lead further when Toman again drifted a freekick to the back post and onto the head of defender Haughian, who’s looping effort beat the keeper and nestled into the corner of the goal. Hibs were deflated as time ticked down and Celtic got a fifth courtesy of Gilmore, following good work from both Withers and Reynolds, whilst a sixth came late on via an own goal by a West End defender. Final score read 6-1 to Lurgan Celtic.

Lurgan Celtic’s final league outing in February saw the side host Armagh Celtic, another team that sat in the upper reaches of the League table prior to play. The home side, as had been a key trait in recent outings, were quick out of the blocks and pressing for an early goal. A combination of dogged defending and also the woodwork came to Armagh’s rescue on several occasions.

Chances went abegging for the Lurgan Hoops as it looked as though they would be made rue not having a lead their play merited, but with the halftime whistle about to blow, a fantastic freekick by captain Lavery rattled the Armagh crossbar, and quickest to react was striker Withers to slot home the rebound and allow the home side to enter the halftime break with the lead they fully deserved. Youngster Magee was instrumental in a lot of Lurgan Celtic’s positive play whilst Devereux was also solid in his defensive duties, restricting the visitors chances at every opportunity.

Lavery capped a fine game of his own with a strike early in the second half, and with midfielders Gilmore and Toman at the heart of the game, the lead never looked in any serious doubt. With less than 10 minutes remaining the win was obtained when a Crawford drive and cross to the back post was headed home by Withers, leaving the Armagh side on the wrong end of a 3-0 result. The clean sheet gave management duo of Smyth and McCourt as much pleasure as the goals scored, as the defence had been instrumental in the key wins throughout the month as the goalscorers.

The month of March will present a key period for promotion ambitions for Lurgan Celtic as they will face several stern league encounters and as the games come thick and fast, it will be a case of one game at a time, but with plenty to play for, the end of March will present a more telling tale with the business end of the campaign looming ahead.

Come And Join Belfairs Golf Club

Belfairs Golf Club is a unique, Leigh on-Sea based club, welcoming new members. Proud to include a Mens, Ladies and Veterans section and is part of the Kindred Clubs including Thorpe Bay, Rochford, Boyce Hill and Southend Golf Clubs.

A club which is part of the community, and soon to be celebrating its 100-year anniversary. Thousands of golfers have stepped up to the first tee and played what is a fun, challenging, parkland and woodland course.

“So much more than just a Public Course!”

Membership Benefits include priority tee times during the week and the weekend, weekly and annual in-house competitions, as well as monthly singles, doubles competitions and much more.

Play and Pay membership as well as 5 & 7 day season tickets. A course which is rarely closed and playable throughout the year, rain or shine, from early morning to twilight! Free Parking, free insurance with English Golf, and you’ll soon get an official handicap whilst playing a mixture of abilities and ages, from Club pro single handicapper to high handicappers.

What do I do now? Membership of £185 is paid annually on 1st October and is pro rata throughout the year, with special offers to accommodate new members. You’ll receive a member’s card and put £50 on to pay for competitions and bar purchases. There is NO joining fee

18 Holes midweek £20.75/Twilight £11.50, 18 Holes weekend £25.50/Twilight £12.50 5-day season ticket £550*/ 7-day season ticket - £810*

*A 20% discount on 5 & 7 day seasons tickets available for ALL members in their first year Special Offers to those of pensionable age, and advantage card categories

Check out the Southend Borough Council Website (www.southend.gov.uk and search ‘Golf’ remembering you receive a huge 20% discount on season tickets in Year One!

For more information, to chat through the membership options, take a tour around clubhouse, get an application form and meet some members, contact Jon Stannard on 07825 638589 or email jonstannard69@me.com