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Castleknock Celtic DDSL Under-13A, 2nd placed in league, played host to 3rd placed Firhouse Carmel in Porterstown in a rearranged fixture. Though there were 4 points between them, Firhouse were to prove very plucky opposition in this game played in brilliant sunshine.
While Celtic went close in early attacks, it was Firhouse who broke the deadlock when they hit the hosts on the counter-attack through Scott Kavanagh who struck his shot well into the corner of the net. Firhouse were then awarded a soft penalty midway through the half. Andy Cunningham proved himself to be a hero when he performed a fantastic double save from the penalty to keep the margin at one goal. Celtic did continue to threaten to equalise in a succession of attacks, with Ciaran McGarry making a number of incisive breaks on the left hand side. Vilius Labutus was very influential in the middle. It was Brian Dalton who sneaked in to score what looked a good goal, only to be ruled out for offside. Eugie Rowland went within a whisker of getting a decisive touch at the far post, but the chance eluded him. It took a piece of magic by Eoin Akpiama to finally bring the sides level when he got possession on the left hand side. He jinked his way infield and unleashed a beautiful shot into the top right hand corner of the net from just outside the box.
The second half saw Celtic create the better of the chances. Eoin Akpiama again pushed forward on the left and went very close with his shot at the far corner. Eugie Rowland went within inches of clinching the victory. Firhouse themselves were still creating chances and Malachy Cooper was within inches of putting his header into the corner of the net. The sides however ended level and it was probably a fair result to a game that the referee said was one of the best schoolboy games he has officiated at in a long time.
Celtic’s DDSL Under12D team earned a great victory at home to the league leaders, Sacred Heart. Celtic took the lead through Kelvin Oriwe after a fine move. Sacred Heart proved their quality and pulled one back to level the game. Celtic went back in front with a goal from Alannah Maxwell who was having an influential game on the left of midfield.
Sacred Heart started the second half knowing they had to win this game to maintain their league title challenge, and pulled level after a Celtic mix up at the back. Celtic however rolled their sleeves up and came straight back with some lovely football and deserved to go ahead when Liam O'Malley calmly slotted home Celtic's 3rd goal. A 4th followed just before full time when Kelvin Oriwe scored his second of the day. A great win and Celtic’s best performance of the season. Celtic are holding an Evening with John Giles on Fri 11th March. Admission €15, all welcome. match action
