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“Big Mac” steals the show as Castleknock edge Battle of the Celts
After a solid start to the season Celtic were on their travels again for the third week in a row as they made the short trip to Lucan to play table toppers Esker Celtic who boasted a 100% record. The task was made even harder knowing that keeper Max Ostapchuk, who already looks like one of the Divisions top keepers, was out with a sprained ankle. On top of that with less than 30 mins to go before the start Denys Yaskersy was ruled with an injured toe while a text arrived advising that Abdullah Boujerdha was ill. Being April 1st the Coach thought this was a bad joke but unfortunately it wasn’t , however the fear was given the day that was in it perhaps Castleknock would be the April fool. So with 9 fit players and Andre Ungareanu half fit this would be a BIG ask for Celtic.
On a small pitch the opening exchanges were even with chances few and far between. As the half wore on the game opened up but it was Esker who were sharper to every ball who upped their pace. Twice they came close , first stand in keeper Catalin La Bont made a wonderful save when the Esker striker was clean through then the Esker midfielder smashed a drive past the keeper but it hit the underside of the bar before two further shots were blocked away. Ironically this woke Celtic up and for once there was urgency in their play. James Browne who had looked leaden footed in midfield was alive and buzzing around as only JB does. Celtic won a corner – Luke Hughes swung it in where it was met by Ryan “Maccer” Mc Gregor with a header from the smallest lad on the pitch. Ryan has been called many things – Maccer, Mighty Mac, Lazy Bones but perhaps we should call him “Big Mac” such his heart and commitment to the cause. HT: 0-1
The second half saw Castleknock on top. Esse who had been man marked brilliantly in the first half was finding space and Esker struggled to cope with him. Indeed Esse thought he had made it two but he was ruled offside. Tara O’ Hanlon who had a quiet first half started to come in to her own as she probed and probed . Indeed she was only denied a goal by a very good save by the Esker No 1. Minutes later Esse was denied by another wonderful save from the Esker keeper. With just over 10 minutes to go Celtic forced a corner. Luke sent over another teasing ball over the keeper with Tara unlucky not to get the touch home from inches out. Next thing we knew Luke was curled up on the ground. Another injury. The youngster was carried off and still 10 minutes to go. With legs tiring “Big Mac “ went into CDM.
As we entered the final minutes Esker pushed forward but Messrs Sherlock & Forde dealt with everything just as they had done all day. Time was up but no the Referee was playing extra. Two, three, four,five,six, seven minutes went by – when was the game going to end? Was the Referee having too much fun? Was this another April Fools Day joke? Whatever the reason the additional time had the Celtic supporters holding their breath especially when, just as the game entered the eight minute of added time, Celtic conceded a free kick from 20 yards out. Surely not now. The Esker midfielder curled it in. An exquisite shot destined for the net only for Ben to head it off the line for a corner. The corner was whisked over and this time Caitlin tipped it away and with it the final whistle went. FT: 0-1
What this game lacked in pure quality it made up for in excitement with both teams giving their all. It could have gone either way and Celtic will be well pleased with their days efforts. After all it’s not every day you topple the unbeaten league leaders. This win was secured with hard work and grit . Conor Simmonds worked his socks off while Andre got through 50 minutes despite an injury. Esse may not have scored but he led the line brilliantly. There were great displays everywhere with two standing out – the two Ryans – however there can be only one Man of the Match. Stand up “Big Mac” – a goal , cool and calm and when required controlled the midfield when his team needed him.
A final mention to Referee Butler – 46 years a Referee, 81 years young and still raring to go – a credit to his Profession and Sport although he may need a new watch for his next game. Are you reading Paddy Dempsey, gold watch must be overdue.
