Highlights: 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗺𝘂𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝟭-𝟯 𝗜𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗰

𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗺𝘂𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝟭-𝟯 𝗜𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗨𝗹𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝘂𝗽 Rathmullan Celtic bowed out of the Ulster Cup with a 3-1 defeat to Illies Celtic in what was a closely contested encounter in Rathmullan, played in extremely windy and showery conditions. The home side made a bright start and took the lead on 25 minutes through a superb strike from Jay Curran. Picking the ball up around the halfway line, Curran drove forward before unleashing a powerful effort from 25 yards that flew into the far corner, giving Rathmullan the perfect start. Rathmullan continued to threaten, and Jaydee came close to doubling the advantage just before half-time. On 43 minutes, he attempted to catch Illies goalkeeper Conor Doherty off his line with an ambitious effort from nearly the halfway line. It was a fantastic attempt, but Doherty managed to get back and stop the ball on the goal line. Illies drew level on the stroke of half-time when Jamie McDaid converted from the penalty spot to send the teams in at the break level at 1-1. The visitors took the lead on 55 minutes. A free kick delivered from the right-hand side caused problems in the Rathmullan defence, and Paul Doherty was on hand to tap home from six yards out to make it 2-1. Rathmullan battled hard to get back into the game, but Illies extended their advantage on 75 minutes. Another free kick from the right-hand side found Jamie McDaid, who finished well to score his second of the afternoon and put the visitors 3-1 ahead. The home side had an opportunity to respond just two minutes later. Jay Curran unleashed a superb effort from 18 yards that crashed against the post, and Rathmullan won a penalty from the rebound. However, Illies goalkeeper Conor Doherty proved to be the hero once again, saving Jaydee's spot kick to preserve his side's two-goal advantage. Despite Rathmullan's efforts in difficult weather conditions, Illies Celtic held on to secure a 3-1 victory and progress to the next round of the Ulster Cup. Man of the Match: Jamie McDaid was the standout performer for Illies Celtic, while Jay Curran impressed for Rathmullan Celtic with his excellent goal and attacking threat. Thank you to Patrick Martin for officiating the match, and best of luck to Illies Celtic in the next round of the Ulster Cup.