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On a fine spring morning, Castleknock started their first league game in three months at home to Templeogue. The players took a little while to become re-acquainted with playing on a grass surface again, and this allowed Templeogue an early chance due to some defensive uncertainty. Templeogue took their chance well, to lead the game after only 5 minutes. However Castleknock started to settle down in to their passing game. Some good interplay between David Jolley and Ben Fleming released Leon Girigan down the left wing and although Templeogue managed to defend that chance, the ball was picked up by Robert Lynch who struck a superb long range effort in to the top of the net for the equaliser. Shortly afterwards, Castleknock won a free kick on the right wing following good work by Bode Lisoka.
Following a superb delivery in to the penalty area, Bassy McMahon rose high above the Templeogue defence to power a terrific header into the top corner of the goal from 12 yards out for his first goal of the season. Castleknock started to take control now and once again, some good interplay between Eoghan Kearney and David Jolley released Leon Girigan to torment the Templeogue defence with his searing pace. The Templeogue defenders tried to defend the goal, but Ben Fleming was in support and finished off a good move with a well taken goal. 3-1 to Castleknock at half-time.
The second half saw the home team continue to dominate. Dylan O’Dwyer in goal used every opportunity to start attacks via our two full-backs Sean Balogun and Eoghan Kearney who were outstanding. Meanwhile the Lynch twins in midfield were starting to exploit the spaces out wide. Some crisp passing with Bode released Aaron Lynch to burst in to the opposing penalty area, and he showed composure and accuracy to beat the Templeogue keeper with an excellent finish for the fourth goal. Castleknock pressed forward relentlessly and won another corner. A brilliant delivery from Eoghan Kearney caused panic in the Templeogue defence and Robert Lynch was on hand to scramble the ball home from a couple of yards for his second goal of the day. Patrick Balogun was working well to release Leon Girigan on a series of terrific runs and more chances continued to be created. On one of these, the Templeogue keeper was forced to pull down Aaron Lynch in the penalty area for a clear-cut penalty award.
Alex Murphy stepped forward and struck a text-book penalty in the bottom left hand corner of the goal. An excellent penalty from Alex, to complete a superb performance in defence. Castleknock ran out 6-1 winners at full time to mark an impressive return to the league. Well done boys.
