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“ Dominant Castleknock rue missed chances as Firhouse steal points”
Another sunny Saturday morning and another Saturday cracker in store. Two good footballing teams - Second V Third with the added spice of Promotion on the line. You couldn’t have written the script better. There would be no complacency as both teams had received wake up calls in their last outings - Firhouse coming a cropper against Ballyouster while Celtic came unstuck against St Kevins in the Cup. The scene was set.
Celtic were once again riddled with injuries and only 12 players were fit to play however it was they who started the stronger. Ciaran Collins, in particular, on the left was causing mayhem and Firhouse had no answer as the youngster was repeatedly fouled. Celtic attacked incessantly with Leigh Reilly and Kian Ryan looking dangerous. Antonio Neto, Andrei Enache and Collins saw long range efforts go close before a Mark Hughes free kick came back off the underside of the bar. Following this Leigh, Franc Ajonomah and Kiano all had chances from 3 yards out and while Celtic finally did get the ball over the line the referee deemed it offside.
Firhouse just could not get hold of the ball and were under constant pressure. With 10 minutes of the half to go Firhouse had their first attack and won a corner. From the corner keeper Tommy Bowe spilled the ball but quickly regained control however incredibly the Referee awarded a GOAL. Unbelievable. The ball has to cross the line and Bowe’s hands were still on the ball in a sanded area where said sanded area did not even cover the goal line. It was now 1-0. And Firhouse were lifted - the goal gave them a new found confidence. Minutes later it was nearly 2-0 following a swift break only for the goal to be disallowed for a questionable offside. HT 1-0.
The half time message was clear “ you are dominating so keep doing what you are doing”. The Celtic boys had listened and they re-asserted their dominance. Chances came but it took a long pass from Alex San Emeterio to pierce the Firhouse defence. Kiano ran on and devoured his marker before forcing the ball home. 1-1. Celtic upped the pace. Mark, who had had a poor first half by his standards was alive to and involved in everything. He put a delightful ball through to Leigh whose effort beat the keeper but also the far post. Moments later a through ball by Aaron Rice found Leigh who appeared to be taken down. The Referee said NO PENALTY and engaged in some unwelcomed dialogue with the striker. Then Mark fed Leigh inside the box and his cross was just beyond Kiano. Moments later Mark went into the box and held off a late dangerous tackle. The Referee played an advantage as Mark's delightful chip just failed to be touched home by Kiano. A minute later Leigh was pushed in the back in the box – NO PENALTY. The pressure continued, Mark was fouled just outside of the box and for the second time the youngster's shot hit the cross bar. Surely a goal would come. And it did………
With 3 minutes left Firhouse broke and won a questionable free kick. Up stepped their midfielder to place a lovely strike into the corner. Firhouse were delirious. 2-1 but the drama wasn’t over. A minute later Leigh was put through. It was 1 V 1 with the keeper. The keeper studs caught Leigh as he smothered the ball. Both players had been brave. Both were injured. On another day it could have been a penalty but today it was not. FT: 2-1.
At the start of the game the Coaches had demanded a performance and they got it. Save from making their dominance count the Boys worked hard all day. About 90% possession, three shots against the bar, 4 penalty claims and numerous other chances tell their own story but sometimes in football you don’t get what you deserve and today was one of those days. However we must give credit to Firhouse who battled hard and took their chances well. This victory gives Firhouse every chance of promotion and they will face Celtic again in a possible winner takes all game before the season end.
As for the Celtic lads they should not be despondent. They played the better football and look like they are getting back to playing their best football. Keep doing that lads and everything else will take care of itself.
