- OUR PARTNERS
Celtic played host to Palmerstown at home this weekend, hoping to maintain their inexorable march towards the summit of the DDSL 13B league table. The supporters and management of both teams respected the Silent Sideline initiative and the boys of both teams responded by serving up some entertaining fare.
Celtic started and were making good inroads on both flanks. David Jolley was playing his best game of the season and he constantly showed for the ball with great interplay with his full back and his partners in midfield. His sterling work resulted in the first goal for Castleknock. He released a beautiful through ball to Thomas Balogun up front and although the first attempt was saved by the impressive Palmerstown keeper, it was Ben Fleming who followed up once again, to score a terrific goal for Celtic.
Ben Fleming and Thomas Balogun continued to cause problems for the Palmerstown defence and Ben in particular was showing a good first touch and terrific passing ability. Celtic continued to press their advantage. Bode Lisoka was unlucky not to score when his shot was charged down by the Palmerstown defence whilst Robert Lynch was also unlucky when a great free kick from a difficult angle struck the crossbar. The relentless pressure paid off when Celtic were awarded a penalty. Lynch struck a terrific effort but the impressive Palmerstown keeper was equal to the task and made a fine save.
At the back both Sean Balogun and Eoghan Kearney were as impressive as always, with terrific tackling allied to great distribution as they both launched a series of attacks for Castleknock. However, at half time, the score was only 1-0 to Castleknock.
The second half started well for Celtic but drama ensued when Dylan O'Dwyer received a harsh red card for a dubious handball decision. Eoghan Kearney stepped in for the goalkeeper and gave a goalkeeping display that was at least as impressive as his outfield performance. Aaron and Robert Lynch were now completely dominating midfield and both made a series of surging runs in to the Palmerstown defence only to see some terrific efforts go just wide of the post.
Their good work was finally rewarded when some terrific play from Robert created a chance for Leon Girigan to extend his goal scoring run with a fine goal. Palmerstown refused to lie down but Patrick Balogun repelled several attacks with good pace and strong tackling. At this stage of the season Sebastian McMahon and Alex Murphy must be one of the best centre back partnerships in the league, and Alex demonstrated this with another crucial interception, before releasing a great pass to Gareth Healy. As always, Gareth linked up well with his forwards and Leon Girigan burst in to the Palmerstown penalty area and struck a terrific shot which was well saved by the Palmerstown keeper, but Leon was alert to score the rebound to complete his brace of goals for the day.
Another professional performance from Castleknock to put themselves in a good position to challenge for possible honours in the weeks ahead. Well done boys!
