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It was written in the stars that Classy Celtic would Power Rangers with the news this week that Castleknock Celtic were entering into partnership with the mighty Glasgow Celtic FC. Great news for members and parents. And so it was that Castleknock Celtic overcame Pearse Rangers 3-0 in what proved to be a fantastic game. It was their first home match of the season and they served up a treat for the fans on the sideline.
The morning did not start off too great as the coach oversaw the laziest pre match warm up from the players ever. INCREDIBLE he thought as they lurked about the 10x10 square passing the ball as soft as they could. But the players must have been tricking the coach because once the game started they really were INCREDIBLE, for all the right reasons. Right from the start Castleknock played some wonderful football and also hustled for every ball. There was great possession and after working had in practice on Monday and Wednesday this team showed great shape, discipline and effort when they did not have the ball.
Dylan Coyne captained the team and led his warriors into battle. It was like Clash of the Clans with Castleknock attacking at every opportunity and from all angles. Jesse was king keeper, looking great with his shiny new boots to match his red and black gear, very slick indeed. Dylan T, Richard and Daniel were mighty, not only did they boss the defence, they also set up lots of attacks with FANTASTIC distribution from the back. Declan, Dylan C, Ross, Eoghan & Neil were the MASTERS of midfield, working magic from their spell factory on the Rangers players. The attack, Owen and Gideon were up for a battle and so we started.
CRUNCH, Castleknock were up for this from the off and were winning their individual battles. Declan was showing some great dribbling skills and only a soft shot prevented him scoring a cracking solo effort. Some beautiful play on the left wing and Dylan C put Neil through, a smart save later and Declan volleyed powerfully on target but ARGHHHHH great save by the Pearse keeper. But they kept at it, Declan wondering when he will ever score his first goal in soccer? Then a moment of magic, Dylan T passing to Ross in midfield, Neil running into a good position off the ball, Ross, superglue first touch and FAB pass into space for Neil to run onto in midfield. Like Forrest Gump, Neil kept running (but with a ball at his feet) and SHOT 1, saved, REBOUND SHOT 2, saved, REBOUND SHOT 3… YEEEESSSSSS and off Neil ran with what can only be described as a “I love Lying on Grass” celebration. Then Gideon, EPIC run and thundering shot the keeper some how saved. 1-0 at half time and a well earned break.
Easy Half Time Team Talk - Never give up.
Kick Off, pass back to Richard, control and pass to Gideon, drive forward and pass to Neil, SHOOT, GOAL. SIMPLES! 2-0 straight from the kick off. Then Richard “I can pass with my head too” set Declan motoring who played in Gideon and SMASH, the post is still shaking. All the while the players were always helping each other while playing some fantastic football. Goal 3 was another never give up moment. Richard again started the move from defence the ball eventually making its way to Declan, 1 save, 2 save then WOOOOOHHHHOOOOOOOO, third time lucky and there was his first goal in soccer. SWEET and now 3-0. Neil was unlucky not to get his hat trick, dragging his shot wide (and he actually got on the end of the shot and kept the ball in play - go figure!). Jesse was there when called upon, making two fine saves. Daniel was like Zabaleta, bossing the right side, moving from defence to attack with ease and then covering back. He told the coach he was sweating after the match with a great big smile. Get used to it Daniel, effort = sweat and that was some effort.
So a great game, ALL players were exceptional. So Man of the Match. Well the good news is it is getting very hard now to pick a Man of the Match. Neil for his two goals, Dylan C for his cover and passing, Declan for his energy and hustle, Eoghan for his tackles, Ross for his lay offs, Owen for switching play, Jesse for his saves and distribution, Gideon for his desire, Richard for his interceptions, Daniel for his lung bursting runs or Dylan T for his exceptional positional play and distribution from the back. Sometimes the team performance overtakes the individuals and ALL were INCREDIBLE.
So the coach was proud, the parents were proud and the players were rightly proud. And to the future with Glasgow Celtic FC, INCREDIBLE
