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U13 A – Castleknock Celtic 1 – 0 Greystones Utd
“Celtic squeeze home as Boys become Men”
What a tough season it’s been so far for our young Celts. The loss of 6 key players combined with late arrival of seven Newbies meant no pre-season and no preparation with the omens didn’t get any better when it was soon realised that the Division was made up of some quality teams . Thus it was no surprise when despite some commendable efforts and some quality goals the team was pointless. Today they welcomed Greystones Utd who had comfortably won the reverse fixture earlier in the season.
Despite the results so far, training had gone well this week and with new keeper Darragh Mooney in the squad, it was a hopeful Celtic team that took to the pitch for the early morning kick off.
After a cagey start by both teams it was Celtic who settled best as they gained the upper hand. Abdullah Boujerdha and Catalin La bont were lively up front and both came close when one on one with the Greystones keeper. At the other end Aaron Downey and Pedro Moreno were showing the commitment required as they mixed defensive duties with attacking wing back play supporting the impressive Conor Simmonds. However despite Celtic’s dominance we were scoreless at half time.
Early in the second half with signs of fatigue setting in the Celtic Coaches made the change - James Bannerman was on and within minutes it was 1-0. Hughes floated the ball into the box and following good work by Abdullah and Simmonds it was James who coolly finished from 4 yards out. Just what Celtic needed. With renewed energy and vigour Celtic fought for everything. With 10 minutes to go Bannerman thought he had made it 2-0 with another neat finish following a great run down the left by Phelim Scott but the Referee adjudged the ball to have gone out of play and disallowed the goal.
At the other end Darragh Mooney made a wonderful diving save to his right from a well struck shot from outside the box. Greystones were lifted and it was they who upped their game. For the first time Celtic’s defence was under real pressure but the Celtic boys wanted, no needed, a result and put every ounce of energy they had into their game. Evan Maxwell and Denys Yaskersky made some timely tackles – one majestic sliding tackle from Yaskersy was followed by “Com’n Boys we can do it” and do it they did as they ran down the clock to seal a great victory. FT: 1-0.
In truth if the game had lasted another 5 minutes one could have foreseen a Greystones equaliser with the Celtic boys out on their feet but let’s be clear – Celtic deserved this result. The Boys will not win any trophies this year but today was just reward for their efforts and sticking with it all season. It was a tribute to these players and their former Coaches (Kieran, Christian and Tony) who took this group of players at the start of the season and who moulded them into a team – a team that today got their just reward. Character does not come from winning and winning easily but from dealing with adversity , persisting and coming out the other side. Today these Boys became Men and they could teach the so called Premier Clubs and Players about character and what it means to play for your team and team mates. There will be more battles ahead but whatever the outcome we witnessed today something special and something to be proud of. A win and a clean sheet to go with it – all in all a good day. Keep playing like this and it will only get better and better. Have a great weekend guys.
