- OUR PARTNERS
Castleknock took to the pitch for the third time in a week seeking to build on two fine performances where the Boys did not get the results their play deserved. Facing them was Cloghertown who had put three past Celtic at the end of March but this time there would be no denying Celtic who finally got the result their play deserved.
Celtic started as they had finished against HHFC on Tuesday by playing a passing game that was too hot to handle early on for Cloghertown. Sean Costello and Cian Galvin were dominating midfield and Cloghertown had no answer to the industry and guile of Rob Laffey playing in an advanced role. Despite dominating Celtic could not get the breakthrough with the nearest to scoring coming from a Liam O’ Neill strike and Sean Costello shot that hit the crossbar with the keeper beaten. Although in control Cloghertown looked very dangerous on the break and were it not for some fine defensive play, by Adam Radaman in particular, Celtic may have been undone.
As the half wore on Celtic to their credit remained patient always building from the back where Daniel Hughes and Daire Walsh always looking to release Peter Germaine and Luke Mulcahy on the respective wings. Indeed Walsh was having a fine first half playing with an authority and calmness not normally seen.
The breakthrough came with 10 minutes of the half remaining. Hughes played in a floated freekick and Germaine showed a great touch as he controlled the ball and finished in an instant. A fine piece of individual skill by Germaine who having moved to centre midfield was having a much better game.
Minutes later it got better – Hughes played in a floated ball into the box from the right. The goalkeeper was favourite but not in Alex Regan’s eyes as he reacted quickest to deftly headed the ball over the advancing keeper. HT: 2-0.
Fresh legs were introduced at half time with Ewan Lynch and the “Jeckyll & Hyde” that is Narcis Catre entering the fray. You never know what you’re going to get from crowd pleaser Catre but today was a day when he showed how well he can play. The half was only 5 minutes old when Celtic made it 3-0. Again Hughes was involved when his controlled header released the unmarked Catre whose finish was pure class. 3-0 and each goal better than the other and Hughes with a rare achievement – 3 assists by a full back.
Minutes later Catre nearly made it four when latching onto a Regan through ball and seeing his left foot drive edge past the right hand post. Worse to happen as Cloghertown were reduced to 10 players following injuries to two of their team. Three up and cruising but this became the problem as all of the players seem intent on getting on the scoresheet leading to the midfield getting too far forward. In turn this lead to the defence being exposed which allowed Cloghertown in for a soft goal in their first attack of the half. 3-1.
The goal lifted Cloghertown and the 10 Meath men worked hard as they looked to score a second. The game became a bit ragged at this point as both teams battled for supremacy. During this period Walsh and Omar Emara stood up to be counted with fine battling displays which allowed Celtic to regain their composure and earlier dominance. As the game entered the latter stages Catre and Regan came closest to increasing the lead the latter opportunity coming from a well taken freekick that was well saved by the keeper. Ft: 3-1
A deserved win against a good Cloghertown outfit and a just reward for the improved performances and football played over the past 3 games.
