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“Castleknock rue missed opportunity against Grange ”
Following a top class performance last week Castleknock approached this fixture against Grange Woodbine, who boasted a 100% record, in good spirits and while respectful of the opposition the Celts also were confident of another good display.
The game started as if the Boys were still playing last weeks game. High tempo pass and move. Rob Laffey had set the tone with a crunching but fair tackle in the first minute. Grange Woodbine must have been wondering what hit them but credit to their defence who dealt admirably with every attack. Despite the strong start Celtic were knocked back when they conceded after 15 minutes. Against the run of play Yes, poor defending Yes but this goal was still quality. Woodbines No 10 waltzed past 4 defenders from 30 yards out before finishing in style placing the ball past the on running Celtic keeper, Eoin Farnham. 0-1. It was more than a goal as it gave Woodbine the initiative. Matters weren’t helped when Laffey departed with a leg wound and with it went Celtic’s dominance. All of a sudden the Grange Woodbine midfield were bursting through giving the Castleknock defence of Marty Gedoninas and Omar Emara and a torrid time with again the No 10 in unstoppoable form. Out wide full backs Eoin Devlin and Daniel Hughes were working over time and in truth Woodbine deserved another goal. Thankfully keeper Farnham was in form with two excellent saves. HT: 0-1
The Castleknock Coaches were happy to make it to half time with only a one goal deficit. Changes were made and to their credit the Celtic lads stood up. The game was transformed with Celtic pressing and Grange appearing to have a philosophy of “we’ll hold what we have”. Chances started coming, Alex Regan and Peter Germaine(2) came close. With 30 minutes left Celtic lost Sean Costelloe to a hip injury. Not a player you want to lose in battle but Celtic to their credit never flinched. Laffey was re-introduced and with it the intensity of Castleknock’s game increased. Laffey, himself, went on one run bursting into the box beating 3 players only to have his shot saved by the opposition keeper. With 15 minutes left Celtic were dealt a further blow when Laffey got himself sent off for a second bookable offence. It’s a shame as the lad has real talent but he must channel it correctly. Down to 10 men but still no surrender as Celtic continued to press with James Davy looking the quality player he is. However try as they may Celtic could not break through the well marshalled Grange Woodbine defence. FT: 0-1.
A disappointing result and a mixed performance. Despite this the Coaches will have been happy with the battling second half performance. This team have the potential but are proving too inconsistent to deliver. However the quality of play improves and the Boys know they are close to a breakthrough. The Cup looms and don’t write these Guys off just yet
