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Battling Celtic were undone by a last minute strike at home to Manortown United. Having recently played in the Cup both teams knew each others game and while Manortown United got the result last time out, Castleknock got the performance. Most of the players trained well in the week and the coach had a good feeling but a quick look over at the hedge just before kick off and the coach spotted Punxsutawney Phil……. Oh dear, Groundhog Day was here, (even if it was a little after February 2nd). So off we go with a squad of 10 taking to the pitch. Jesse O in goal and captain for the day, Owen B, Dylan T, Daniel O, Declan O’M and Richard O mixing it up in defence. Dylan C and Gideon D in midfield and Ross K and Eoghan S sharing duties upfront. Castleknock started the game on the front foot with wave after wave (good song) down the right channel. Dylan C leading the way with some fine jinking runs and crosses into the box. The pressure eventually paid off with Dylan Coyne picking the ball up in midfield, driving at the Manortown United defence and unleashing his customary pile driver of a shot which was too hot for the keeper to handle. 1-0 to Celtic. Castleknock could not find a second and Manortown United started to put pressure on the Castleknock back line.
While trying to do the right thing by playing out from the back, Castleknock were a bit too slow in moving the ball and paid the price when the Manortown United striker robbed the ball from the right back and slammed it home, 1-1. Very similar to their goal 3 weeks ago but a good finish too. Castleknock kept going forward but could not create any clear chances. When Manortown United did attack, Jesse was in fine form, keeping 3 shots out with good handling of the ball. Half time came and went and back into action. It was all Castleknock Celtic and Dylan C nearly had a 2nd with a shot from distance that the keeper spilled but got back in time to prevent the ball trickling over the line. Next up was Declan, a slalom run like they do Ski Sunday and unlucky with a shot over the bar. You could hear the whoops and goooooo oooooonnnnnnnn Declannnnnn from the sidelines with his Mam, Dad and his part time coaching brother (good man Liam) supporting from the sidelines. Then Richard with a good run but his shot deflected. Daniel had a go with a dribble down the left wing and a cut back but there was no Caslteknock player in the box, although 4 of them were standing at the edge of the box. You can explain that one on Monday lads!
With 1 minute to go Manortown United broke up the pitch and earned a corner. A scrappy few moments in the box after a fine delivery in by the Manortown corner taker and they scored. It was their only shot on goal in the second half but 2-1 to Manortown United it was. The reason it was their only shot on goal was the good defending, in particular Dylan T and Declan O’M, not giving and inch and taking up great positions. But 30 seconds later and it was game over. So handshakes all round and another good game between two evenly matched sides. Castleknock unlucky not to have gained more reward for their efforts. It was a scrappy second half but in the first half Castleknock Celtic showed good signs of progress. With better decisions on “free pass” and overlap runs the team would be a match for anyone. So to Man of the Match, glad to say it was another tough one to call. Three standout candidates were Dylan Thompson (great defensive positioning display), Declan O’Malley (great tackling, even with an injured right ankle caused by those pesky shin pads) and Dylan Coyne for his energy, goal and entertaining display of skills. But there can only be one so well done Declan O’Malley, good to have you back.
See you Monday and enjoy school!
