Football: Celtic beaten by late Portadown BBOB goal

Celtic started the game well despite missing several first team regulars but it was Celtic keeper O’Neill who was called into action first when he made a fantastic save to keep the scores level.

Celtic made the breakthrough after 25 minutes when Devlin burst clear and he finished brilliantly.

The Cookstown side were unfortunate not to see their lead doubled when again Devlin finished brilliantly but the referee adjudged it to be offside.

Celtic had to weather some pressure but held on to their lead at the interval.

Celtic were eventually pegged back when a set piece caused panic in the box allowing the Portadown attacker to tap in at the back post.

The game looking destined for a draw when the hosts mustered up one more attack when a ball across the box picked out a forward who looked to be offside but he poked the ball home amid protests from Celtic defence.

It was a harsh defeat for Celtic who performed brilliantly despite having a depleted squad.

This Saturday, Celtic are in Mid Ulster Shield action when they take on last year’s winners Windmill Stars at the Fairhill with a 2pm kick off.