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After 3 months without a match, the young Celts took to the pitch raring to go. Time to put into practice what they have been learning on Monday and Wednesday nights, not only possession but good possession. Castleknock started brightly with some good passing on the right wing leading to the first chance of the match. Dylan Thompson unlucky with a shot just off target. Castleknock had Wayside Celtic pinned back in their own half, Dylan Coyne, Owen Boyle and Dylan Thompson bossing the midfield with Ross Kennedy lurking in the box for a quick through ball. You felt a goal was coming, with Castleknock getting closer with every shot. From another great save by the Wayside keeper, Dylan Coyne took up a good position in the middle of the pitch, controlled the goal keeper's kick out and BOOM, he hit a pile driver over the keeper and into the top left corner of the goal. 1-0 to Castleknock and well deserved too.
Castleknock kept up the pressure and soon after they scored the second goal with Neil Kirtane and Eoghan Smithers coming on to give fresh legs to the team. This time the goal came from a set piece. A corner from Dylan Coyne found Neil Kirtane in the box and a FANTASTIC shot beat the keeper all ends up with Neil scoring into the bottom left hand corner. Wayside did break upfield at times and Richard Ogu made a great diving save on one occasion to keep Wayside at bay. Jesse Okpetu and Gideon Durojaiye, strong in defence, only allowed Wayside have one shot on goal in the first half. 2-0 at half time for Castleknock.
Jesse Okpetu, Captain for the day was now in goal with Richard Ogu moving into defence. Castleknock continued to have the better of the match, with some good passing moves on display, playing out from defence and through midfield to create chances. Dylan Thompson was unlucky not to score with a header, a fine save by the Wayside keeper denying him. Eoghan Smithers, Dylan Coyne and Ross Kennedy were also unlucky not to find the back of the net. On some occasions Castleknock had possession, but not good possession, losing the ball when in their own penalty box by trying to dribble instead of playing a pass to a player in space and did not capitalise a number of 2v1s up front by failing to make a good angle for a pass. However this game saw a big improvement from all the players, all trying to use on the pitch what they are learning in practice.
So, 2-0 it ended to Castleknock Celtic. Unbeaten since November is what they tell their classmates……. (2 wins and a draw to you and me) and a great start to the second half of the season. Jesse Okpetu had a great first half and kept a clean sheet in the second half but Dylan Coyne pips the players for Man of the Match with a goal and an assist and tireless play, supporting defence and midfield.
Well done to all players and see you all Monday.
