A convincing 3-0 victory for Rosario was just reward for this cup semi-final performance.
Rosario’s Hughes and McPeake snuffed out any early attacks by Celtic. For Rosario, McGonigle stretched the Celtic defence in the early stages, enabling other Rosario players to find good positions.
On 15 minutes Rosario took a deserved lead when wing wizard Whiffen coolly slotted home from an acute angle. Whiffen should have completed a brace but his effort was smothered by the advancing keeper.
Devlin had a goal chalked off when he was adjudged to have been offside while McGonigle should have doubled the Rosario lead on two occasions.
In the final minute of the half, Murray brilliantly blasted an effort from 12 yards against the underside of the bar as Rosario ended the first half with a slender lead.
In the second period Rosario were a little less dominant but Celtic still found it difficult to pierce any holes in the competent Rosario defence.
On 60 minutes, McConville’s well executed strike hit the post with the rebound falling beautifully for McGonigle who expertly directed his shot into the net.
As the game entered the final quarter the goal of the game was superbly finished by Hagans.
A well crafted effort involving the excellent Murray whose inch perfect pass was met on the volley by Hagans and the ball flew into the roof of the net.
Rosario’s defence and midfield were the rocks on which this victory was achieved. Goalkeeper Hynes along with Hughes, McDonald, McConville and man of the match McPeake were outstanding.
In the middle of the park Francis and McCamley showed great authority and on the wings both Whiffen and Murray were their usual creative selves.
In attack both Devlin and McGonigle caused many problems for the Celtic defence. Their athleticism, forcefulness and technical ability was a real handful.
Finally, the introduction of both Hagans, with his great goal, and McGarry, with his trickery, showed the strength in depth of this squad which will take a deserved place in the SBYL Cup final for the third season in a row.
Rosario, return to league action on Wednesday 16 April against Shankill Juniors. A victory in this tough game would be a good step forward on their quest to a league title.
