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St Mochtas 1 - Castleknock Celtic 5
Castleknock Celtic win local Derby with an outstanding performance.
Remember the date, Saturday 25th April 2015. It was D-Day as, Delcan, Dylan, Daniel and David shared 5 goals between them. Castleknock Celtic braved the weather to play a friendly against their local rivals St Mochtas who play in the same division. Castleknock introduced a new player to the group, David Alfred. So off we go with in what was to be a fantastic game between two sets of players that know each other well, both on and off the pitch. Jesse Okpetu in goal, bright yellow boots to blind any strikers within 10 yards. Richard Ogu, Neal Kirtane, Dylan Thompson, Eoghan Smithers and Danile Olawoye a formidible group of defenders, Dylan Coyne and Declan O’Malley the masters of midfield and David Alfred the point of attack.
Dylan Coyne captained the team and it was Castleknock who kicked off and got the game going. On a superb pitch both teams were knocking the ball about but the driving rain and greasy ball meant it was hard to control and passes had to be accurate. But both sets of players kept at it and it was a joy to watch. St Mochtas started the brighter and Jesse Okpetu made two fine saves early on to keep the scores level. But Castleknock gradually warmed to the task and started to pressure the St Mochtas defence. Some strong running by David Alfred was creating space and Castleknock were wide with 2 chances of their own. It was real box to box stuff, but with controlled movement of the ball. St Mochtas were dominating on their left and the first goal of the match was a great run buy the St Mochtas midfielder who ghosted past 2 Castleknock players to finish superbly. 1-0. Castleknock were disappointed and after a tough season it was to their credit that they kept focused on their task. From the kick off Castleknock drive forward, Dylan Coyne on the ball, Neil Kirtane on an overlap created space, Dylan Coyne used the decoy run and crossed in to his onrushing midfield partner Declan O’Malley who FINESSED a finish with great skill. 1-1 within 20 seconds.
Tails were up and Castleknock were dominating, David Alfred with neat skills and quick feet holding up the ball and bringing Castleknock players into the game. And the pressure told as the St Mochtas defender cleared the ball high, Dylan Coyne with close control of the dropping ball, Bergkamp like, and then BOOM from outside the box half-volleys over the keepers head 2-1 and cue screams from the sidelines. So 2-1 at half time and the players all of a sudden forgot about the cold. Into the second half and it was more of the same, Castleknock dominating play now. Overlaps, good passing out wide and crosses were all on display. But St Mochtas were quick on the counter attack and only for Jesse Okpetu making 3 fine saves in the first 5 minutes it might have been a different ending. Daniel Olawoye and Eoghan Smithers were roaming forward like Jordi Alba, fast learning their positions on the pitch. Dylan Thompson was cool as you like again in defence, a cut knee not stopping him playing on. Richard Ogu and Neil Kirtane now providing great support on the right wing. The forward triangle of Dylan Coyne, Declan O’Malley and David Alfred was connecting very well and creating lots of chances. An so it was the crucial goal came from the ever improving boots of Declan O’Malley, SLAMMING home to make it 3-1. WHOOOP - WHOOOP from the side and clear space between the teams.
Again St Mochtas came at Castleknock and again Jesse Okpetu was on hand to deny 3 clear goal scoring chances. It would have been more only for the positional play and strong tackles from Eoghan Smithers, shoulder injury not stopping him playing. What a game it was, the parents enjoying every minute of the freezing rain and cold feet and numb hands. But as The Who said, the kids are alright, and they kept playing ball. Jesse Okpetu, with 94% accurate distribution from goal started the move that led to the 4th goal. It was played to his right back, Castleknock moved the ball up the right wing, Daniel Olawoye was moving up on the left into position and when the cross came in there he was BASH top corner with a first time shot. 4-1 and fully deserved. St Mochtas we’re getting tired and only had the 7 players, so did not have the luxury of being able to roll on and roll off players for a deserved rest. As seen by this team in the past, it is important to have a full team to pick from. And so it was debut boy David Alfred who finished the game off. Dylan Coyne with a lovely through ball from the outside of the boot into the space for on running David Alfred to take it forward, draw out the keeper and FLICK that ball over the diving keeper into the empty net (think Torres in his hey-day). Que wild celebrations from the sidelide and the same from the pitch.
So 5 -1 it finished, a great team performance. Man of the Match was very hard to choose. David did super on his debut, great running with the ball and playing passes to feet, Jesse was in incredible form in goal, Dylan C with a goal and 3 assists. But MOTM goes to Declan O’Malley for his 2 goals, his skills, passing, positional play and he was heard telling players to mark at corners. Well done Declan and well done boys, see you all Monday for practice.
