Narcis Catre was the two-goal hero as Castleknock returned to winning ways with a 2-0 win over a very good Ashbourne United team. Ashbourne arrived in good form, in mid-table but with the second best points-to-games ratio in the division. They certainly started well and had their chances; but all were well dealt with by ‘keeper Alex Regan. Then, Catre arrived to score twice, the first, a sweet volley, while the second was a smart tap-in, during the later stages of the first half. Afterwards, Castleknock defended their lead with heart, skill and very good organisation and might even have added a third with Catre unlucky not to get his hat-trick and O’Neill only blocked by a last ditch tackle when bursting through late-on.  A special mention also to second half goalkeeper James Igoe for his excellent handling and for a crucial one-on-one save.

So, congratulations to all. To Daniel Hughes, Omar Emara and the returning Adam Rahaman, who were so steady at the back. To CDM Costello, a leading-by-example performance from Rob Laffey and Cian Galvin, back to his best with classy passing and corner-taking. Excellent contributions, also, from wide players; left-sided Daire Walsh and Luke Mulcahy, who set up Narcis’ second, and, on the right-wing, to Peter Germaine and Ewan Lynch, who got the assist for the first goal.

Some difficult matches remain; but if the team continue to play football like this, they are definitely worth following. And, with everyone playing so well, some difficult selection decisions await returning coach Hughes.