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Once again the Porterstown faithful were treated to some beautiful weather and it was a fitting setting for the wonderful game of football served up by both Castleknock and Tolka. This was a close game with end to end football but if you had watched the first few minutes you would never have believed that Celtic would eventually edge the tie. Tolka started like an express train and from the tip off had the ball in the net after 20 seconds – surely a DDSL record. The slick passing of Tolka was only matched by the quality finish of their striker who blasted the ball into the net. 0-1.
This was just the start that Tolka had dreamt of but these young Celts are nothing if not resilient as they dug deep to get back into the game thanks to the strong running and play of the talented Esse Okirikpo and the dynamic Ivan Hristov. Having worked their way back into the game Celtic equalised with one of the strikes of the season. From Ivan’s corner the ball was cleared to Ben Forde who looked up and planted the ball into the top corner with a wonderful strike from all of 25 yards. 1-1. With confidence restored Esse made it 2-1 with a fine solo goal. However moments later Celtic conceded a soft goal to make it 2-2.
Celtic were keen to restore their advantage and created chance after chance. First of all one a Luke Hughes special just edged past the post and then Ivan hit a wonderful header that hit the bar with the keeper beaten. A goal would come. Hristov went on a mazy run but was fouled 20 yards out. Up stepped free kick specialist “Messi” Hughes to flight the ball home over a crowded goal mouth into the top corner. 3-2. Once again Tolka fought back and in this phase Evan Mc Grath was immense – reading the game well and making great interceptions. Still it took a wonderful save from young Ryan Sherlock just before half time to preserve the lead. HT: 3-2.
Celtic started the half well but once again conceded an early goal as the Tolka striker finished with deadly accuracy. Back came Celtic and Esse made it 4-3 with a fine finish following good build up play between Ivan and Harry Maxwell. It was now end to . Gerard Crawley and Ryan Mc Gregor were defending well and strong in the tackle knowing that one mistake would be crucial – thankfully they made none. With 10 minutes left Esse thought he had completed his hat-trick as he finished brilliantly following a great mover involving Luke, Harry and Ivan only for the ref to award a free out following an infringement by Luke. But a goal would come .Minutes later Esse won a free kick and his shot was palmed away only for the ever alert Ivan to square the ball in for Luke to tap in from 3 yards out. 5-3.
However, yes you’ve guessed it, back came Tolka. Having won a free kick 25 yards out the Tolka midfielder rifled home an unstoppable shot into the top corner 5-4 and it could have been 5-5 were it not for a good save from Max Ostapchuk. In a tense finish Evan settled Castleknock nerves with a lovely goal as he waltzed through the Tolka defence to score with his right foot. FT: 6-4.
A wonderful spectacle with Celtic just edging it but the scoreline was irrelevant. There was nothing between the teams and both managements will have been proud of their charges as their teams put on a great display. The Celts played some lovely football and will be eager to get back out there next week to strut their stuff. It was a great team display but a special mention to Ivan Hristov who adopted to a central midfield role and showed the crowd that he has all the attributes – speed, power,strength, skill, awareness and a shot to top it off. Well done Ivan. Well done lads
