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After a good start to the season Castleknock made the trip to Kilnamanagh who after a difficult start found themselves at the bottom of the table. On paper it looked like a comfortable fixture for Celtic but appearances can be deceiving. Kilmanangah had faced two of the top three teams in their opening two games and today they would show that they are a team not only deserving of respect but one that will swiftly move up the table. Ethan Hunt was ruled out with injury but the Celts welcomed back Jamie Tucker after a month out.
The early exchanges were shared but it was Celtic who were showing the more cutting edge with Catalin la Bont and Harry O’ Reilly creating early chances. With 15 minutes on the clock Celtic took the lead. A lovely through ball from Capt, Ryan Sherlock, found the unmarked Henry Anene inside the box who finished with aplomb. 0-1 and Celtic continued to push with the Kilnamanagh keeper having to make a number of saves. With 10 minutes of the half remaining Harry was through. As he rounded the keeper he was taken down from behind. PENO!!. Everyone knew it. Everyone save the Referee. Still no reason to panic though as Celtic were dominating but that’s exactly what they did. An Unchallenged ball in midfield started it all but then the defence decided to not do the simple thing. Got caught in possession by the Kilnamanagh striker who finished in some style. HT: 1-1.
Castleknock started the second half looking like they had learned their lesson and re-asserted themselves as the dominant team. Again the Kilnamanangh keeper was being kept busy but soon it was 1-2 when Phelim Scott was put through to power home. Celtic pushed for a third and Phelim again delivered following great work out wide by Harry but the goal was deemed off-side. Celtic were dominating but got a warning when a swift Kilnamanagh break resulted in Evan Maxwell having to make a wonderful headed clearance off the line. A wake up call for Celtic but did they listen? NO. With no danger and a simple pass to the keeper on Celtic went to sleep. Then a calamity of errors saw Kilnamanagh take their chance and equalise . 2-2 and still 15 min to go.
Celtic did try to gain the upper hand but Kilnamanagh fought for every ball. Chances did come chances with James Browne, Phelim, Catalin & Harry all having shots on target. Indeed Celtic thought they had secured the points when Luke Hughes put through Phelim who showed the coolness of a classy striker to finish in style. 2-3 but no the Referee called for another offside to deny the youngster and Celtic of what looked like an excellent goal. FT: 2-2
This was a game Celtic should have and could have won. They created the better chances, scored 4 goals , were denied what looked like a stone wall penalty. But despite that this was never a good team performance. The midfield was patchy and panic set in far too often. The other factor was Kilnamanagh who played like a team keen to show their supporters that they can and will turn their season round. They worked their socks off and showed True Grit in coming from behind on two occasions and for that they deserved a share of the points. Credit also to both teams for ensuring the bench was used repeatedly throughout. For Celtic this was a set-back but that’s how the Boys will learn. And learn they will. It’s only early season and the Boys remain unbeaten so plenty to play for.
