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Castleknock Clan do all the attacking but could not break down the St Mochta’s defence.
Castleknock Celtic left Porterstown Road empty handed as the St Mochta’s defence stood firm in the face of some fine attacking football by Celtic. It was a crisp morning and on a great pitch with no wind and plenty of sun. The players were told to put their "game face" on, some happy and some mean and some grumpy looking (but they were the ones who did not hear!!!!). Declan, with his mean game face captained the side. Jesse was The Wizard in goal, defending his Castle. Dylan T and Richard O the Giants in defence, attacking anything that came near them. The Barbarians and Archers sent out in midfield were Dylan C, Gideon, Declan and Owen, all told to attack and defend. Then there were the Goblins, Ross and Eoghan searching for the elusive LOOT of a goal.
Game on and it was a cracker. Some nice interchanges by the Archers and Barbs led to some early chances for the Goblins but they could not trouble the Town Hall of the St Mochta’s Clan. Early on the game was being played in the midfield third, both teams sizing each other up. Dylan C was starting to find some good possession and spraying the ball about the pitch. Declan, Owen and Gideon giving good support. But it was not one way and when St Mochta’s got through the Walls, Dylan T and Richard O were playing like Level 4 Giants, super strong in the tackle and dominating the play. Ross and Eoghan were holding the ball up well when played into feet and Eoghan unlucky not to connect with a ball over the top. 0-0 at half time and time for recharge the batteries.
The Clan were straight at it in the second half. Wave after wave. Jesse distributing, Dylan T and Richard O trying to pass out of defence and then Gideon decided to get at it. A superb run down the right and a cross in, keeper parried and beaten, Owen B running in but volleyed onto the bar. Sooooo unlucky. Gideon repeated the trick two more times shooting wide. Dylan C also had a couple of shots but the keeper stood firm. Eoghan driving in fro the right, keeper saves. Ross holding up well on the right, pass in, keeper saves. Owen and Declan with some great defensive cover runs intercepting the Mochta’s attack.….. It was one way battles with some nice moves but in the end it was Jesse who had to make his only save of the match in the last seconds, Dylan C keeping the ball in play on the side, such was the Castleknock desire to keep at it, but the Mochta’s Barbs nicked the ball and drove at the Castle. But the Wizard got down well to save.
So 0-0 it finished but a great team effort from the Castleknock Clan. And so to P.E.K.K.A of the match. Well it was a great team performance, all players doing their best which is all you can ask for. But the P.E.K.K.A. was Dylan C who covered the whole pitch supporting his team mates and all the time giving them an option for a pass. Well down boys, see you Monday for practice.
p.s. I nearly forgot, some fine muffins were had by all after the match, chocolate were were told. Man food indeed from a budding Dublin 15 Bake Off Contestant. Thank you Mr Smithers, or from here on known as the man with the wonderful buns.
