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St Mochtas 2 - 0 Castleknock Celtic. Missed Opportunities the order of the day.

Castleknock Under 11E finally got their season started with a much anticipated local derby versus St Mochtas FC. With the sunshine dancing in the sky it was the players chance to show all their fans some moves of their own. Daniel Olawoye was the only player missing but it was his 10th Birthday and his party was planned before he joined the team so we will allow him that excuse, which is kinda good. So with 10 players to choose from this team were in the strange position of being able to substitute players and it was badly needed as injuries and some early season fitness took its toll. The team started out with Jesse Okpetu looking the part in goal, decked out in black and red (Bohemiens Future GK?). Neil Kirtane, Gideon Durojaiye and Richard Ogu shared duties controlling the back line. Owen Boyle, Dylan Coyne, Declan O’Malley and Ross Kennedy in midfield and Dylan Thompson and Eoghan Smithers providing the fire power up front. 

Ross Kennedy, captain for the day gave his pre match talk to the players in their huddle and then game on. Castleknock started like a whirlwind with some neat passing and movement off the ball. The midfield trio were linking play well but then after only 90 seconds Dylan Coyne had to be substituted, his finely tuned muscles giving way and would play no further part in the game. Declan O’Malley, new to the team came in and was straight into he thick of the action. The game flowed but it was Castleknock who were creating some fine chances. Dylan Thompson shot wide when through on goal. Eoghan Smithers unlucky with a fine strike, showing good technique when shooting. Some last ditch defending by St Mochtas stopped a couple of 3v2’s for Castleknock. A fine save by the St Mochtas GK, who was super quick off his line a number of times held Castleknock at bay.

Jesse Okpetu was distributing the ball brilliantly to Neil Kirtane and Gideon Durojaiye who were taking up great positions to receive the pass. Neil was playing some neat balls down the line into Ross while Gideon was finding his class mate Owen Boyle in some great positions. As the match progressed St Mochtas had some chances of their own but Jesse was in his usual shot stopping form with some fine saves. Some really strong tackles were on display and it was a real ding dong battle, Gideon and Declan leading the way and not giving an inch. It ended 0-0 at half time and a well deserved break. 

St Mochtas started the better as some Castleknock players found the pace hard to live with. Declan O’Malley, taking a boot to the side of the head was up and at it immediately, showing great determination. St Mochtas took the lead with a fine strike as Castleknock lost the ball when playing out from the back. It was hard on Castleknock but they kept pressing. Dylan Thompson again unlucky and Gideon Durojaiye, after skilling the pitch was unlucky with his shot drifting wide. St Mochtas broke from a corner and earned a free about 20yards outside the box. Jesse organised his wall and defense. With the ball going into the top corner Jesse got a hand to it while Richard tried to head the ball away. However such was the power and accuracy it found the back of the net. 2-0. 

Castleknock kept battling and Ross Kennedy was put through, delaying his shot and the ball was smothered by St Mochtas defense. Richard Ogu was clean through and again was denied. Gideon decided to skill the pitch again and a fine diving save prevented him scoring. 

So 2-0 it ended but a great match and warm applause for all players at the end. All player’s deserve credit but some special mentions to Jesse who showed great skills in goal, Gideon who had a great battle against a tough St Mochtas midfield and Man of the Match Declan “Action Man” O’Malley who showed great determination and some good positional awareness in his first ever leave match. Oh and Happy birthday Daniel from all your new team mates, hope you are practicing the Brazilian toe taps for Monday.