- OUR PARTNERS
Was that just, hands down, the best morning of 2014 (but more on that later Daniel). On the way down to the match the coach was whistling away "Oh, what a beautiful mornin', oh what a beautiful day, I’ve got a beautiful feelin', everything's goin' my way”. But Porterstown ain’t no Oklahoma! and with Oscar Hammerstein II nowhere to be seen, the beautiful morning turned into a decidedly dodgy afternoon. Meanwhile back at the ranch there was a match to get going and so at 12.10 kick off away we went, the fine morning left well behind.
"Top Corner" was captain for the day with his international visitors cheering him on and boy he did not let them down. "Off my line like Neuer" was in goal, “laces”, “better late than never” and “boom, now that’s what i call a tackle” the main men in defence, “nearly never scored a goal" , “i am so good I got a man marker” and “Ryan Tubridy” were in midfield. “The Birthday Boy” helped "Top Corner" lead the line. So off we go, 30 seconds in and "laces” was overpowered and a crisp finish past “neuer” and Celbridge were 1-0 up. The crowd were not even seated. Celbridge were definitely the hungrier team tracking every Castleknock Celtic move, more eager to win the ball and quicker off the ball. “I got a man marker” was in a ding dong battle with his new BFF Toby who marked him everywhere on the pitch. Some compliment to a 9 year old…… Castleknock did not seem to learn that you have to battle every match and were undecided what to do with a ball in their own penalty box, delayed forever and Celbridge took advantage, nicking the ball and BOOM 2-0, quick as you like, 5 mins gone.
Castleknock were not at the races but credit to Celbridge who pressured every ball all the time. The game was more even as the half wore on with no more goals to report. 2-0 at half time and some of our international visitors wanted to enjoy the top class tea and coffee on offer in the clubhouse so off they strolled, and I mean strolled! Game on second half. “i have a man marker” skilled the left side of the pitch and a cross shot narrowly evaded all his team mates but it was a sign of the team awakening. And then it happened. They must have seen a player pass and recalled that passing the ball is allowed. 2 minutes into the second half and “nearly never scored a goal” went on a trademark run but this time found “now that’s what I call a tackle” wide right. He drove at the defence, shot, keeper save later and “top corner” was on hand to fire home the rebound. OOOOOHHHHHH he was happy. Tip off, win ball, drive at defenders, commit players and CRUNCH, free kick. “Nearly never scored a goal” took aim, a fine save and “top corner” did just that on the volley, put the ball top corner. OOOOOHHHHHH x 2, an even bigger celebration. However a puzzled look all-round as the internationals were surprisingly quiet….. Ahh, in the distance the strollers were returning from sampling the fine teas and coffees on offer….. George Best, Euro Cup 1999 springs to mind, a bit like “top corners" volley, its all about the timing…..
So, back to 2-2 and “Birthday Boy” was doing his bit, controlling the ball like Hazard in his pomp. "Ryan Tubridy" started to roam down the left wing and “better late than never” with his trademark headers clearing his lines. “Now that’s what i call a tackle” misfired on his left when through. Celbridge kept at Castleknock and a corner was fired across and “ryan tubridy” was all hands and penalty given. As we know Neuer is a Tank at peno’s but SLAM, top left and no chance 3-2.
A better second half but a well deserved win for Celbridge who were hungrier for the ball, worked harder off the ball and passed the ball well. Man of the Match? Easy, Easy, Easy…… the Internationals chant “Top Corner” for his two goal haul. Well done TC, see you all Monday for practice.
