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Like Brian Boru, Castleknock were courageous and glorious in defeat today against a Pearse Rangers side who took their chances when they came.
Castleknock took to the field against Pearse Rangers, looking to improve on their performance of last week. Castleknock Celtic had the minimum amount of players available so extra effort would be required from all 7 players. Owen Boyle, captain for the day, led out his team of eager players. Richard Ogu started in goal, Jesse Okpetu was charged with keeping control of defense on his own, Dylan Coyne, Ross Kennedy and Owen Boyle were to boss the midfield and Eoghan Smithers and Gideon Durojaiye leading the attack in a 1-3-2 formation. This team wanted goals! Castleknock started the brighter and some good passing moves created the first chances but Castleknock failed to test the keeper when in good shooting positions. A series of corners were defended well by Pearse Rangers who were at that time starting to come into the game.
Pearse Rangers, using their keepers long kick to get field position were effective in getting the ball forward quickly. However Jesse Okpetu did some fantastic defending to keep Rangers at bay. Owen Boyle injured himself twisting on the Astro Turf and had to go in goal, Richard Ogu gave a great display in midfield, winning possession and passing to players in better positions. Pearse Rangers were starting to create chances and only good positional play from Ross Kennedy on the right kept Rangers from scoring, Ross' defending providing his team mates with time to get back and intercept the cross. However it was Pearse Rangers who took the lead with a well finished move. Castleknock kept going and were always trying to do the right thing, passing and looking for space. One such passing move broke down in midfield, Castleknock losing the ball in the tackle when a pass might have been a better option and Pearse Rangers broke quickly to score, 2-0 at half time.
With great determination this Castleknock Team were eager to play on, Owen Boyle playing through the pain barrier to resume duties in midfield. Again Castleknock started the brighter and some good chances for Gideon Durojaiye were just hit wide. Dylan Coyne, played in on the right channel was unlucky not to finish a fine move with a powerful shot that just flashed wide of the post. Eoghan Smithers was unlucky not to get a touch on a couple of crosses which were put into the box. Ross Kennedy, who was playing some nice passes in midfield to his team mates, showed great determination to win possession for his team but in doing so had a bad fall on the sideline, hitting his head on the pitch. Play resumed with 6 v 7 and Ross getting treatment on the sideline. Even though his head was sore and even though the old Magic Water could not ease the pain, Ross knew his team needed him and he went back into the match after 5 minutes; very brave indeed. With Castleknock pushing for a goal, again Pearse Rangers broke and a 4 v 1 left Jesse too much to do. 3-0.
Still Castleknock pressed and were on the offensive all through the match. With no substitutes and 2 injured players it was a heroic performance by all players. The effort and commitment shown was great to see and they were unlucky not to get some goals in this game. A special mention goes to Jesse Okpetu for playing defence on his own and playing wonderfully. But the Man of the Match goes to the player who typified the performance with bravery and huge effort, so well done Ross Kennedy. Every week this team does the club proud and surpassed themselves today. Well done fellas and see you at training on Monday.
