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There’s nothing that beats the sight of Porterstown on a sunny Sept morning where you will find any number of children playing football. And this Saturday was no different as the Castleknock U 10’s took to the pitch for their first game of the season against Leixlip Utd.
This U10’s team was only finalised on Wednesday last so while there was loads on anticipation and excitement there was very little expectation. However the Celtic lads showed that they’re always ready for a game with a wonderful performance.
Esse Okirikpo opened the scoring following a great run. Minutes later Luke Hughes scored with a strike from near the corner flag before Daniel Moore put the home team three up.
HT: 3-0 and game over..... not on your life as Leixlip showed they did not come to play second fiddle as they started to work their way back into the game. They were rewarded with a goal which lifted their confidence. Now playing the better football Leixlip scored two goals in quick succession and it was Celtic playing up a sloped pitch that looked the more vulnerable. It’s games like this when heroes come forward. Take a bow Gerard Crawley who alongside Ben Forde put up an excellent rear guard action that helped keeper,Max Ostapchuk, remain unbeaten for the rest of the game. Slowly but surely Celtic worked their way into the game with Lucas Girigan, Harry Maxwell, Ryan Mc Gregor and Evan Mc Grath putting in tremendous shifts.
Celtic got their reward when Ryan Sherlock hit a powerful drive from the edge of the box following a clearance from a Hughes corner. 4-3. Minutes later Crawley made a great run forcing a fine save from the Leixlip No 1 whose parried shot was slotted home by the ever alert Hughes. Okirikpo secured the win with a fine finish for his second and Celtic’s sixth. FT: 6-3.
And so a fine win for the young Celts but forget the scoreline it was the performances that was the most pleasing element – not just from Celtic but from Leixlip too who contributed to a fine game that kept both sets of supporters enthralled and entertained in the morning sunshine.
