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Following a good start to the season Castleknock made the short trip to local neighbours Phoenix for the Sky Sports Monday night game. A fine pitch, a lovely sunny evening and a big crowd set the tone for this local Derby. Castleknock started well but once again conceded early to a breakaway goal that was classily finished by the Phoenix striker. Undaunted Castleknock continued to play their passing football with full backs Dylan Mc Donagh and Cathal Flynn feeding the wings at every opportunity.
Mid way through the half Celtic were level when new boy, Cian Egan, finished in style. The remainder of the half was a tense affair with Celtic’s passing play but slow build up contrasting with Phoenix’s slick football on the break. From one of Phoenix’s breaks Celtic keeper Andrei Enache was forced into a fine save. The game turned Celtic\'s way on the stroke of half time when Leigh Reilly finished well following good work by Egan and Ciaran Collins. HT 2-1.
With a one goal advantage Celtic started as they had finished and Egan, Reilly and Matthew Elliott all came close to increasing the lead. Shortly after it was 3-1 when Egan supplied a classy finish following good build up play on the right from Collins and John Kane. Phoenix were down but not out and with Celtic tiring they began to enjoy more possession. Only the wood work and two fine saves from new keeper, Mc Donagh, preserved the lead. At the other end only fine goalkeeping from the Phoenix stopper prevented Cian Egan securing what would have been a well deserved hat-trick.
The game was put beyond Phoenix’s reach with 3 minutes remaining when Matthew Russell rifled in a shot from 20 yards out. In the last minute Reilly completed a fine team performance with his second to leave the score 5-1 to the visitors.
Credit to both teams for producing such a fine footballing spectacle. All in all a good performance from the Celts who were down to 9 fit players and credit to all as they worked their socks off for the team. At times the football was breathtaking but the Coaches will also have seen areas where the team can improve. Still its 2 wins from 2 games and you can’t argue with that. More battles lie ahead but if the Boys keep playing their own brand of football this team has a bright future.
