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Courage sees Celtic home V Athlone in high quality encounter
YES!!!!!!!!!!! We’ve waited a long time but finally Castleknock Celtic registered a win in the closely contested U16 Premier Division at the seventh time of asking. It has to be said that the Celts have experienced an unbelievably horrific run of injuries that has contributed to their slow start. Aside from the run of injuries early defeats had eroded confidence. Despite this the Castleknock Coaches had stuck to their principles and in recent times performances had improved but unfortunately not enough to register the all important victory. The Coaches insisted today would be different as the team made their early morning departure to Athlone Town who would be hoping to further build following their over Shelbourne the previous week.
Celtic started well showing a confidence that belied their position at the foot of the table. Indeed it was a pleasure to see both teams playing football the way it should be played as both Athlone and Celtic constantly sought to play a passing game which in turn resulted in arguably one of the games of the season much to the pleasure of both sets of supporters.
While the game flowed from end to end clear cut chances were few and far between thanks to strong performances from the defences of both teams with Sean Daly, playing a Captains role with some crunching tackles, leading the Celtic line. In midfield Mark Hughes and Ciaran Delaney provided the grit which saw Eric Hannon enjoying the freedom to run at the home defence. With Dylan Mc Donagh providing width and quality on the left Celtic were always a threat.
While Celtic just edged possession it was Athlone who had more chances especially when they broke swiftly and when they did breach the Celtic defence the Celtic custodian, Tommy Bowe, was on hand to ensure the game remained scoreless as we reached half time. HT: 0-0
Again credit to both teams as the second half mirrored the first with both teams continuing to play football and both looking for the win. Ironically in a game of high quality it would be error that would lead to the goal. A Celtic through ball came straight to the Athlone keeper whose clearance hit the on running Claudio. A defensive scramble ensued with the ball squirting towards Leigh Reilly out on the left. With the goalkeeper scrambling back Reilly, the coolest player on the pitch, stroked the ball low and hard into the net from 20 yards out. It looked a straightforward goal but credit to Reilly who had to keep his cool and hit the ball first time to ensure he evaded the Athlone keeper. 0-1 and cue jubilant celebrations or was that relief!!.
Credit to Athlone as they went in search of the equaliser causing some anxious moments for Celtic but in fairness to the Celtic lads they never really looked in trouble as they saw the game out to finally put some points on the board.
First of all well done to both teams and Coaches. Despite being at the wrong end of the table both teams sought to play attacking creative football. Castleknock achieved this victory with a fine and courageous team performance with all thirteen players on duty playing their part. One could not pick a Man of the Match but it is only fair to mention Sean Daly and Donatus Mweke’s contributions with some excellent ball winning tackles by both players. There was relief all round the Celtic camp but they should now translate that into BELIEF – a win, a goal for Lethal Leigh, and a clean sheet for Tommy to boot– all firsts of the season and use this a launch pad for the rest of the season. There will be no rest with the next game away to mighty Belvedere on Wednesday. A tall order but what do you expect in the 16 Premier - it’s not just a league it’s a challenge……and an adventure!!!. Well done Lads.
