- OUR PARTNERS
This was it – the point of no return as the top two sides in the division met at Pearse Park knowing that a defeat would hand the initiative to the opposition as the season's end approached. This would be a game between the two top teams, the best defence (Joeys) V the best attack (Castleknock), two teams with contrasting styles – Joeys organised and direct football against Castleknock’s free flowing passing style. No quarter would be given and none asked. To all intents and purposes, it was..................... The Clash of the Titans.
The game started at a pace that would last throughout. Joeys were well organised with a clear plan to launch the ball into the opposition half where their tall but athletic and skilful players would seek to terrorise the Castleknock defence. The early exchanges were fairly even although Celtic had the best chance early on when Ciaran Collins fed Kian Ryan whose powerful shot from 8 yards out flew over the bar. Minutes later Collins himself just failed to connect from 5 yards out with the keeper beaten. Joeys then showed their pedigree when they cut open Celtic at the back forcing keeper Bowe into a fine near post save. This gave Joeys confidence as they started to dominate with Cathal Flynn and Matthew Elliott both making timely clearances. It was therefore against the run of play that Celtic took the lead. Mark Hughes who was having an indifferent first half won the ball in midfield and swept it outside right to Collins who clearly had the measure of the Joeys left full. Collins played a lovely ball for Matthew Russell to run onto. In turn Russell whipped over a lovely cross beating everyone but the smallest player on the pitch, “Twinkle Toes” Kane who showed no mercy from 4 yards out. HT: 0-1
Clearly buoyed by taking the lead Castleknock started the second half in impressive style. The improving Hughes and Andrei Enache were controlling midfield with the impressive Dylan Mc Donagh constantly probing on the left . Celtic nearly extended their lead when Enache released Ryan who beat his marker with ease before squaring the ball towards the on running Leigh Reilly who just failed to connect. Minutes later Hughes’s left foot strike took a deflection that just whisked by the far post. Celtic pressed for the second that would have surely clinched the points but were coming up just short with their final pass.
As with the first half the team on top conceded a goal. With 10 minutes left with arguably their first attack of the half the tall Joeys tall striker finished in style following indecision in the Celtic defence. 1-1.
Joeys were lifted and the games intensity with it. End to end football - Celtic passing the ball up the pitch and in return Joeys looking for the quick break. Celtic had more chances but with 2 minutes left on the clock disaster nearly struck when Joeys broke swiftly and with purposes creating a 2 v 1 against Bowe. Bowe made an excellent save and an even better one from the rebound but the ball then broke to the tall Joeys midfielder who hit a low drive past Bowe that was bound for the net only for the flying Spaniard, Alex San Emeterio, who had been quickest to react to clear it off the line. FT: 1-1
A fantastic game that lived up to the billing of “The Clash of the Titans”. Celtic played the more attractive football but Joeys were well organised and had more shots on target. This game had it all and on the day no one deserved to lose. The destiny of the league is now in Celtics own hands but as this division has shown all of Castleknock’s remaining opponents are more than capable and anything less than a 100% performance will see Castleknock come unseated.
For now it is a case of well done and Castleknock’s performance on a heavy pitch that suited the opposition more was recognised by the strong travelling support who gave the Boys deserved cheers and applause at the end of the game.
