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Orchard get second bite of Cherry to deny brave Celtic
The U13’s took to the stage, as Castleknock Celtic’s last remaining representatives at all ages in the SFAI Cup, against la creme de la crème in the guise of Cherry Orchard knowing that a victory would see them go through as one of the DDSL’s four representatives in the All Ireland Cup. Oh these are heady days for the young Celts as they enjoy a rollercoaster ride that has seen Cup success this year against some of the top Clubs in Dublin – Knocklyon Utd, Crumlin Utd and Home Farm. Despite their Cup heroics the Celts entered the game having not played in four weeks and with only two games in the past eight the odds were stacked heavily against them. Still whatever the footballing gods have in store for these Gladiators this was an opportunity to learn what top class football is all about.
Both teams started the game cautiously with Orchard edging the early stages. Despite this Orchard could not find a way to break through the Celtic defence where Matthew Elliott and Franc Ajunomah marshalled superbly. As the half wore on Celtic eased their way back into the game where the midfield trio of Aaron Rice, Mark Hughes and Antonio Neto were gaining superiority and Kiano Ryan and Leigh Reilly were looking lively to the early ball. It was therefore a major setback when with less than 10 minutes of the half remaining they conceded what was a soft goal. Missed tackles out the Celtic right allowed the Orchard left winger to whip in a low cross which was finished in some style by the Orchard No 9, Christian Isichei, who showed the watching crowd how a Premier striker finishes. HT: 1-0 in what was a disappointing half in football terms with Orchard just about shading it. The biggest criticism of Celtic was that they were perhaps showing Orchard too much respect.
While 1-0 down, the half time talk was positive and there was a consensus that the Boys could win the game. Celtic gained the upper hand early on but still struggled to penetrate. With 5 minutes of the half gone Celtic went 4-4-2 and from that moment on it was all one way traffic with Reilly, who the Orchard defence struggled against all day, and Ryan constantly probing. Orchard were rocked and just could not get out of their own half. Orchard started to concede frees all over the pitch and two of their players were booked for over zealous tackles. With 7 minutes left Hughes, who while not at his best had battled courageously struggling with a knee injury suffered at the start, was taken down 25 metres out. Having dusted himself down his free kick brought a bundled save from the Orchard keeper and Ciaran Collins first time shot just shaved the post. In the following minutes Kiano and Collins both forced good saves from the Orchard keeper and in the last minute, the Orchard keeper made another excellent save getting low down on his right to palm the ball out for a corner. It was the last throw of the dice. Hughes, as he had done all game, hit a pin point corner where Kiano rose highest to power home his header from 6 yards out. 1-1 with the last play of the game. the Porterstown spectators erupted as Kiano went wild, his team mates couldn’t catch him and the Coaches nearly had a heart attack. The final whistle went. A late goal yes but it was the most deserved of goals. Game on.
Extra time – Celtic were on a high and it showed in their play. Dominant everywhere except on the scoresheet and that was the problem as they got caught just before the end of the first period by a breakaway goal. Indecision allowed the Orchard striker to hit a powerful shot that forced Tomas Bowe into a fine save but the Orchard midfielder, Karl Delaney, was the first to react and his low drive was deflected into the net. 1-2. The second period of extra time was relatively flat compared to the previous hour as Orchard slowed the game at every opportunity and as the clock wore down Celtic, who had given their all, just ran out of steam. FT : 1-2.
This report started by saying this was a day out and an opportunity to learn what top class schoolboy football is all about. Well they may have lost the game but their performance especially after the first half showed that they are a team that’s going forward. Any independent person watching the game would have struggled to have identified which was the Premier outfit.
Credit to Celtic they had Heroes everywhere. All 14 Boys played their part all 14 should be proud of their efforts – they dug deep and battled to the end. There were some top drawer performances – ET & Franc were rocks in the defence, Dylan Mc Donagh has rarely played better and Antonio showed today he IS a Premier player. And when all else failed we had Tommy Bowe – the keeper par excellence.
As for Cherry Orchard we wish them well. They know they were lucky to go through but credit to them for reacting well having conceded the last minute goal in normal time. As for the Celtic lads we are proud of their run and so should they. It’s now back to league business and with it this year's main ambition – promotion to the Major. Finally a BIG WORD of THANKS to all the Castleknock support on the day – it really helped and the Boys enjoyed their “moment”. More adventures lie ahead for this talented crew– watch this space!!!
And so say all of us.
