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Despite heavy midweek rainfall the pitches at Porterstown were declared playable meaning that Castleknock Celtic finally got to play a first home league game since Nov 30th 2013 which effectively meant that home advantage would be non-existent as the Celts welcomed Mount Merrion FC. Celtic knew it would be a tough assignment having had close encounters in the past with this Mount Merrion team who arrived in confident mood following their recent unexpected but well deserved away victory over power house Leicester Celtic.
Celtic started cautiously – dominating possession but looking a little laboured in the final quarter of the pitch a pattern that would continue throughout. Despite looking a little off colour there was nothing to suggest that Mount Merrion would trouble Celtic at the back until a calamity of errors resulted in Merrion taking a lead. This allowed Merrion to settle as they started to pass the ball better and only the calmness of Cathal Flynn and Matthew Elliott at the back prevented further attacks. Credit to Celtic as they regained their composure and initiative and shortly after equalised thanks to some fine footwork by Johnny Kane who created the opportunity by waltzing past two defenders. While his shot was weak Merrion were clearly in charitable mood as the keeper inadvertently missed the ball, as it came through a group of players, allowing it to trickle into the net. HT: 1-1
The second half mirrored the first with Celtic enjoying more possession but Merrion always looking capable on the break thanks to some fine swift passing. The game became a tense affair as Celtic sought the victory required to maintain their title drive. Some excellent defending limited Celtic's attempts, best evidenced by selfless blocked drives inside the box from Leigh Reilly and Ciaran Collins. Mark Hughes came closest to stealing victory, first with a shot that brought an excellent save at his right hand post and then with an outrageous freekick two metres inside the Celtic half where again the Merrion keeper was equal to the task. Merrion for their part nearly sneaked a goal with an excellent break in the last minute only to be denied by a last ditch tackle. FT: 1-1.
A draw and a fair result – Celtic never doing quite enough and Merrion looking more than capable. The draw may have been disappointing but it was the manner of it that disappointed most. This Celtic team is capable of more as they have shown many times this season. They are a good team and one mediocre performance will not change that. A valuable lesson will have been learned today – you cannot just expect to turn up and be able to play well, you must earn the right to do it every time you go on the pitch. The team was despondent after the game but this was more to do with the individual performances than the result itself. However as has been said many times before, these Boys are quick learners and many adventures lie ahead for this talented bunch. match action
