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Ardmore Rovers 2 – 3 Castleknock Celtic
“Celtic fall over line to keep run going”
On a cold and wet Autumn morning new arrivals to the DDSL,Ardmore Rovers FC, welcomed Castleknock Celtic to their Bray grounds. It was an early kick off but this made no difference to Celtic who started in whirlwind fashion with “Twinkle Toes” John Kane waltzing down the wing to create an early chance for Leigh Reilly which was well blocked.
The early incessant pressure saw Celtic take the lead when Ciaran Collins, who had cut in from the right, saw his well struck shot sneak under the goalkeepers body. Minutes later it was 2-0 when Kian (yes with a K) Ryan’s superb strike left the Ardmore keeper with no chance. Celtic were in complete control and their passing was a sight to behold and it was no surprise when it was 3-0 when Matthew Elliott’s cross cum shot sneaked in at the far post.
3-0 and coasting or so the Celtic players thought but Ardmore had a different idea. Slowly but surely they fought their way into the game – first winning tackles and then releasing their excellent No 14. Their hard work was rewarded when casualness in the Celtic defence allowed Ardmore get back in the game. With 5 minutes of the half remaining Ardmore scored again, leaving the Celtic keeper with no chance,to make it 3-2. Game on.
The second half saw a very even contest. Celtic’s pretty football being matched by Ardmore’s strong tackling and swift breaks. On the ball the Celts looked good with the potential to score at every opportunity but off the ball they were all over the place. The back line of Flynn, Hughes and Russell were under increasing pressure and the Celtic centre midfield were nowhere to be seen. Andrei Enache had been brought on to shore up the midfield and his strong but fair tackles steadied the ship. The game was now end to end and the only surprise was that there were no more goals for either team.
The Castleknock supporters greeted the final whistle with a sigh of relief. All the credit must go to Ardmore who fought their way back into the game after a dreadful start and a special mention to their keeper who after a difficult first half made three excellent saves late on to keep his team in the game. Ardmore will certainly fancy their chances when the teams meet again later in the season at Porterstown. As for Celtic the Boys will have learnt lessons and will now understand that a strong work ethic has to go with their undoubted skills. Still it’s a sign of a good team if you can play poorly and score three times not to mention about 15 other shots on goal. No doubt the Coaches will keep the young Starlets’ feet on the ground as they prepare to meet local rivals Verona on Monday evening.
After their league game, in the evening they headed for Dalymount Park where they provided the half time entertainment for the crowd who enjoyed the team's exhibition of football which was a joy to watch.
