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After last years delays the SFAI kicked off in its accustomed early Autumn date and the footballing Gods were unkind to Celtic when the draw pitched them against Major outfit, Knocklyon Utd, who had ended the Celts fantastic run in the Cup last year on this very pitch. The only expectation from the Celtic management was to put up a good showing against their illustrious opponents.
Knocklyon started with the confidence of a Major outfit. Passing the ball well they pinned back Celtic who were playing into a strong breeze. Celtic looked lethargic and bereft of ideas so it was therefore no surprise when Knocklyon took the lead but the manner of the goal was the most disappointing aspect for Celtic. Following a short kick out a multitude of defensive errors resulted in the balling break though to the Utd winger inside the box and his shot was assured giving keeper, Thomas Bowe, no chance as it nestled into the left hand corner. 1-0 and only 10 minutes on the clock.
However rather than capitalising on their deserved lead Knocklyon were knocked out of their stride with a rare Celtic attack after 15 minutes which resulted in an equaliser. Antonio Neto broke from the left before feeding “Kiano” Ryan who touched the ball into the path of the mercurial Ciaran Collins on the right who finished with ease. 1 – 1. Though it was against the run of play, it settled Castleknock right down. Now it was the Celtic centre backs Aaron Rice and Alex San Emeterio who never gave an inch while full backs Matthew Elliott and Dylan Mc Donagh were getting more opportunities to go forward. The launch pad was in midfield where Andrei Enache and Mark Hughes had gained the upper hand and with it the ability to bring Kiano and the impressive Leigh Reilly into the game. Chances came and a move involving Hughes, Reilly and Kiano nearly resulted in a goal when Kiano did everything right including beating the Knocklyon keeper only to see his shot slide past the far post. Minutes later Ryan fed Reilly with his effort hitting the cross bar. HT: 1-1
At half time the Coaches encouraged more of the same work rate but with a little more finesse and the challenge to show the opposition how good they can be. Within a minute of the restart the Boys did just that. Hughes, who was seeing a lot of the ball, fed Kiano whose cross was met at the far post by who else but the goal machine, Reilly. 1 - 2. But this was more than just a goal as it seemed to take the fight out of Knocklyon. Indeed for the rest of the game keeper Tomas Bowe only had one save to make but it was a crucial one as with 10 minutes left he bravely came off his line swiftly to deny the Knocklyon forward.
Other than that it was all Celtic. Dominating possession they used it wisely creating chances as Ryan, Reilly and Hughes all forced saves from the Knocklyon keeper. Alex Doyle was introduced for the hard working Ryan and his fresh legs in midfield allowed Neto and Hughes the freedom to press forward on a regular basis. More chances came with Neto going on a mazy run but after beating four players had the ball nicked away just as he pulled the trigger. With barely a minute left on the clock Enache just failed to turn in a well flighted Hughes free kick. A goal that would not have flattered Celtic such was their second half performance. FT: 1-2
And so a great and deserved win by the Celts and one that the opposition Managers were gracious enough to acknowledge. This was a great victory against much higher ranked opponents but on the day Celtic were the better team. It was not vintage but after a poor start against a Major team it was admirable the way the Boys fought back not only to win the game but to dominate it too. The SFAI Cup is all about dreams and today the dreams came through for 12 Castleknock lads. Well done lads and remember to keep dreaming.....you never know.
