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Classy Crumlin strike sinks Mad Cap Celtic
Déjà vu , BIG TIME – it’s Super Saturday and again another Top 4 game for Castleknock for the fifth time in as many weeks. Crumlin (2nd) travelled to Castleknock (3rd) a point ahead but having played a game more. Three weeks ago Celtic had run out narrow 1-0 winners. Given the quality of teams in this Division is nothing would be decided today in terms of final placing but given the rivalry a win for either side could have a big bearing on their season.
Crumlin started the brighter with a strategy that said attack is the best form of defence. However Celtic soon got into the groove. Both teams were giving their all and then Celtic went kamikaze. Crumlin broke down the right, as their midfielder powered through from the half way line a frustrated Dylan Mc Donagh took his man down with a wild challenge. It was 45 yards from goal and a definite yellow but the Referee judged the challenge dangerous and with it a straight Red. Down to 10 men is not what you want against a team of Crumlin’s calibre. Celtic went 3-4-2 and to their credit you would never had known it was they with 10 players as the Castleknock lads created the better chances. Paul O’ Neill hit a delightful free kick to the far post where Sean Daly hit the same with the keeper beaten. Moments later following good work by Lloyd Turner, Sean Blood hit a pin point cross to Leigh Reilly whose deft header from 6 yards out shaved the far post with the keeper beaten. HT: 0-0
All the Coaches could say at half time was “Magnificent. The game is here for you”. The second half exchanges were being shared. Crumlin were playing some lovely football but the Celtic defence ate everything up. At the other end Celtic were causing the Crumlin defence problems with some tantalising diagonal balls with the best chances falling to Reilly. As we entered the last quarter there were signs of fatigue and Eric Hannon who had worked his socks had to come off. What followed was a minute of madness. Miscommunication saw both Hannon and O’Neill leave the field. Celtic had 9 men. Crumlin took the quick throw attacked and with the Celtic centre back looking to come back on took advantage and scored. But what a goal it was. While the Celtic 9 looked to repel Crumlin their midfielder lifted a delicious ball over the defence to the striker who needed no invitation as his early strike gave Tommy Bowe no chance. A disaster for Celtic and one that should have been avoided but at the same time what a goal from Crumlin. 0-1. Once again and to their eternal credit Celtic bounced back and threw everything at Crumlin. It was end to end although it was the respective defences who were on top and despite a high tempo intensity in the last 10 minutes Celtic failed to create any clear cut chances. FT: 0-1
Let us say well done to Crumlin. A well coached footballing team and that probably tells you something about the effort of 10 man Celtic. Two moments of proverbial madness cost Celtic the game but even with 10 players Celtic maybe deserved the draw. Having said that we have seen two close games between these two teams and over the course of the two games honours even is probably a fair conclusion. A set back for Celtic for sure but their form in recent weeks suggest that the Castleknock lads will be in the mix as we enter the last quarter of the season.
