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“Hat tricks a plenty as Castleknock hit 8”
Castleknock travelled to Ballymun’s impressive facilities in confident mood following a last minute Cup win last week. However Ballymun’s confidence was also high with seven wins from their last eight. Something had to give.
Celtic started the stronger and their early pressure paid off when an excellent Peter Germaine corner was touched in by Omar Emara. Emara claimed it but the referee seemed to indicate it may have been over the line. Minutes later it was 2-0 with the same duo involved although this time there was no denying Emara who’s powerful header from Germaine’s cross left the keeper with no chance. 0-1. Celtic were looking comfortable but a lapse in concentration cost the dear. The Celtic defence were slow to follow out a clearance allowing the Ballymun midfielder time to hit a glorious shot past keeper, Alex Regan. 1-2. This lifted Ballymun who started to dominate midfield where strangely the Celtic players appeared to lose concentration and were now second to every ball. During this period it was left to the Celtic defence of Emara, James Igoe , Ewan Lynch and Daniel Hughes who were all called on to make timely clearances to preserve Celtic’s lead. HT: 1-2
At half time Igoe replaced Regan in goals to add to the introductions of Cian Galvin and Daire Walsh to bolster a tiring midfield. The changes worked as Celtic quickly restored their two goal advantage. Again a Germaine corner and again an Emara goal – a shot from three yards following quick reactions by Narcis Catre. There was no denying Emara who aside from securing a wonderful hat-trick was enjoying an excellent game that gave him particular pleasure having suffered criticism from the opposition when the teams last played.
Minutes later it was 4-1 when “Goal Machine” Regan finished a move following good work by Galvin and Germaine. A fifth came shortly after – a long kick out by Igoe was taken by Regan who touched the ball over the defender before coolly placing a shot inside the near post beyond the advancing keeper. A wonderful goal by an inform player.
Now totally dominant Celtic increased their lead with Regan grabbing his third and fourth. 1-7.
The last minute brought the loudest cheer of the day came when centre back Adam Radaman did his best “Messi” impression as he waltzed through the demoralised Ballymun defence to score a lovely goal. FT: 1-8.
A great win for Celtic but the scoreline was a bit harsh on a Ballymun team who competed strongly in the first half and may consider themselves unlucky not to have been level at half time. As for Castleknock it was an excellent performance and they can now have the belief that they are a match for any team but, and they must remember this, they have to stay focused and be willing to work hard when not in possession. Lapses in concentration can prove costly. Still, today is a day to enjoy – eight goals including a Hat-trick foe Emara and four goals for the in form Regan. Well done all of you.
