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CELTIC DELIVER IN GREAT ADVERTISEMENT FOR FOOTBALL
As the saying goes “What’s seldom is wonderful”. Last time out Castleknock secured their first win of the season following a two week break and after a further three week break were hoping to pick up where they left off as theY travelled for a late afternoon kick-off against Cabinteely. Last timeout the teams shared the spoils with a 2-2 draw so both fancied their chances with the bookies making the home team marginal favourites with the game being played on their Astro pitch.
The game started as it is meant to continue. Both team seeking to play the ball on the deck. Castleknock high pressing and quick play contrasted with a passing and deliberate Cabinteely. As the half wore on, with Messrs FLynn, Hughes & Sherlock bossing midfield, it was Celtic who carried the greater goal scoring threat with Harry O’ Reilly and the returning Andrei Ungareanu looking dangerous with the latter powering two shots over the bar. At the other hand Arnas Birbalas was, as he always is, a tower of strength and composure while Sam Dunne playing in a back three for the first time this season looked like a veteran such was his awareness and comfort on the ball. With 20 minutes on the clock Sam’s throw to Adam resulted in a cross into the box met by James Browne who’s deft touch lifted the ball over the keeper and into the roof of the net. 0-1. With the lead Celtic pushed for a second resulting in the Cabo keeper making a number of good stops most notably from a shot by Harry following Ryan’s defence splitting pass.
Concerned that Celtic’s old habit of fading in games could be an issue the Coaches urged their charges to build to stay focused and build on their first half performance. With both teams looking likely it was evident a goal for either team could be game changing. Ryan saw a header hit the cross bar before Celtic got the all important goal courtesy of Keane Tiernan – and what a goal it was. Taking the ball on the half way he eluded a tackle before from the edge of the box placing the ball with absolute precision into the bottom right hand corner with his trusty left foot. 0-2.
Two up Celtic relaxed passing the ball around with Luke and Adam varying the play. Mid-way through the half Phelim Scott, who had come out of goal for the first time in two months, and playing in his favoured striking position burst through following another fine ball by Luke and was only denied by a magnificent last ditch tackle. Moments later Keane, on another mazy run, was taken down inside the box but the Referee awarded a free for an earlier infringement. Upstepped Phelim whose shot hit the crossbar but Sam had followed up to volley home from 5 yards out. 0-3 and Celtic were far from done. Phelim ,again ,and Keane hit the cross bar . Shortly after Keane shot just over before JB hit a pile driver just over the bar. Another goal was inevitable and JB duly delivered with his second and Celtic’s fourth with a screamer from 20 yards. 0-4. Celtic were in dream land but with everyone going forward they were caught on the counter allowing Cabinteely the opportunity to score with a well taken and well deserved consolation goal. FT: 1-4
On a cold day both teams produced a great game of football. It was a well deserved win for Castleknock but it needs to be said that this Cabinteely outfit were a credit to their Club and football. Technically gifted they passed the ball with aplomb. Even at 4-0 down they never betrayed their principles. They are at the wrong end of the table but when they start utilising their possession in terms of goals they will be a force to be reckoned with. Credit to the Cabinteely players AND Coaches. As for Celtic, maybe this team needs long breaks between games, a two break and they secure their first win and after a three week break their second. Whatever it is this was a deserved win and full of positives not least the performance of all 13 players on duty – all played well and all contributed in a fine team performance. Four goals and an away win is always good and the team has now gone 2.5 months undefeated. It was great to see Ryan Sherlock back to his brilliant best – strong in the tackle and confident in distribution. Man of the Match though has to go to Sam Dunne – reliable and assured in the back three he relished his second half role on the right wing and completed an excellent performance with his well taken goal. There’s still a long way to go this season and plenty to do but for now it’s a BIG WELL DONE to the Boys. Com’n Celtic
