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Football the Winner as Classy Keane Strike ensures a draw match action
Week 3 of the new season and already Castleknock have had to overcome adversity following a number of setbacks. On the field the lads have given their all and will feel their results from their first two games have not reflected their performances. Off the field they have faced major hurdles – keeper Scott is out until after Christmas, Henry has departed and this has been followed up with injuries to Sam, Abdullah and Arnass while Keane and Evan had been unavailable. So the last thing you want is a match against old foes Peamount Utd but these Celts are nothing if not resilient and the character that we have seen in the first two games was evident as Abdullah and Arnass both arrived with boots in hand albeit still not fit. What would the walking wounded deliver…..on a beautiful September morning and with a good crowd in attendance we were about to see!!!
Celtic started the brighter with the midfield trio of Adam Flynn, Luke Hughes & Ryan Sherlock setting the tone. The attacks came from out wide courtesy of Sam Dunne and Keane Turner serving the busy Harry Reilly and James Browne. Early shots from James and Luke were showing which team was on top. Despite Celtic enjoying more possession the Peamount attack looked dangerous on the break and Messrs Birbalas, Jaden Adekolu and Evan Maxwell needed to be alert to the “Clear and present Danger”. Indeed it was Peamounts alertness that saw them take the lead. A quick throw in and with Celtic still setting up the ball fall to the Peamount striker who finished well. 0-1. Credit to Celtic as they kept their heads up and kept playing the right way. With 10 minutes of the half remaining the home side got their reward. A ball from the right to James who made a clever turn and lay off to Keane and if James touch was sweet the finish by Keane was even sweeter as his trusty left foot gave the Peamount Number 1 no chance. 1-1. Celtic continued to force the game but Peamount remained resolute as honours remained even at half time. HT: 1-1
The second half began with again one team taking control but this time it was Peamount bossing the game. Their midfield took control and it was Celticnow having to back peddle. On a very warm day fatigue was setting in and it was Peamount looking the fitter. Celtic brought fresh legs back on and it definitely made a difference as slowly but surely Celtic clawed their way back into the game and as we entered the final quarter they were beginning to look the more likely. However both defences were up to the task with the centre backs of both teams standing out with their defensive performances that secured their respective teams a share of the spoils. FT: 1-1
This was a great game worthy of a Sky Sport Super Sunday coverage with Carra and Neville providing the commentary. Both teams gave their all in a competitive match and both sets of Coaches will have been pleased with their teams performances. At the outset we mentioned that Castleknock had been beset with challenges since the start of the season but to-day you would never have known that injuries had plagued the team. This team has character and to-day we saw True Grit . Perhaps the best example of this came from Abdullah. Injured he arrived down boots in hand despite Doctors orders. The young lad came on a sub and at one point, following a swift Peamount break, sprinted 25 yards to make a valiant block from a goal bound shot by the Peamount striker. The Coaches were understandably well pleased with the Boys performance and if they can keep producing this sort of display they will climb the table swiftly. Well done lads, enjoy your weekend.
