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Castleknock take points in Battle of the Celts
Castleknock made the trip to second placed Swords knowing nothing less than victory was required as they seek a Top 2 finish. It was therefore no surprise that Castleknock started like an express train and nearly took the lead in the first minute when Liam O’ Neill was put through only for his shot edge just wide of the far right hand post. The early Castleknock pressure had the Swords defence in all sorts of pressure and it was therefore no surprise when they took the lead. Narcis Catre took a quick corner and exchanged a neat one two with Daniel Hughes before using his trusty left foot to swing in a cross where Liam O’ Neill headed home with a deft touch. 0-1.
It took Swords 25 minutes to create their first meaningful attack and from it they punished Castleknock. A challenge just inside the box caught the defender – Penalty and the Swords striker duly dispatched the ball with a touch of class. 1-1. Relief for Swords but also belief as they began to dominate possession.
Worse was to follow for Castleknock and in particular for Sean Costello. A 50/50 ball , both players committed , there was a thud and Costello was reeling in agony. The game was stopped. Sean’s knee was out of place and at a minimum dislocated. It may have been a career ending injury were it not for the quick thinking of Sean’s Dad, Mark who having assessed the situation, took control and put the knee back in place meaning that Sean will only be on crutches for the coming weeks and with physio and rehab will be back for next season. With the disruption Castleknock were at sixes and sevens and happy to get to half time still level. HT: 1-1.
The second half mirrored the first except it was Swords who looked the more likely. 15 minutes into the half Castleknock got a break. Rob Laffey pressurised the full back who inexplicably squared the ball back across his box to the waiting and thankful O’ Neill who kept his head before powering the ball into the right hand corner. 1-2. But Swords were far from finished. Dominating midfield they sought to punish Castleknock and duly got their reward with 25 minutes to go when their midfielder powered home in a crowded goal mouth following good work down the right. Castleknock re-organised – Regan and Catre were brought back on and the balance in the team was better. The game was now end to end – Castleknock’s methodical build up against Swords pacey breaks.
With 10 minutes left Castleknock took the lead once again. James Davy, who had driven at the Swords defence all day, went down the right and played a low drive in. Regan who had made a 20 yard run nipped in between the two Swords defence to touch it home beyond the diving Swords keeper. It was brave, it was skilful but more than anything it was WANT. 2-3 and still 10 to go. Swords came back but the Castleknock defence stood tall. Surely Swords would get one more chance and they did. Following an attack down the left, the Swords winger cut in and hit a curling shot. Keeper, Eoin Farnham who had a good game, was beaten. You could sense the roar of GOALLLLLLL!!!! until Narcis rose high to head the ball to safety. That was it. FT: 2-3.
This was an exciting game with both teams playing their parts. Swords’ performance did not deserve to lose with a share of the spoils probably being a fairer result. However credit to Castleknock for battling and recovering from Costelloe’s injury. They now climb to second but must play promotion favourites, Grange Woodbine, to have any chance of securing promotion. The Boys are happy to have this chance. Finally a special mention for the Man of The Match and there can be only one candidate ………..MARK COSTELLO. Football comes a distant second when a players health is at stake. Quick thinking and quick action saved the day ….and Sean. Well done Mark.
