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A new season began in sunny porterstown for the 12C team. Terenure Rangers provided the opposition and what a treat these 2 teams served up. Rangers began on the front foot and put pressure on the Castleknock defence. However Jessie in goals saved any shots on target with confidence.This confidence spread through the team and slowly Celtic began to take control.
Simon marshalled the defence and Daniel on his left and Ross to his right were solid in the tackle and moved the ball quickly in possession. The midfield worked tirelessly without the ball and were always looking to retain posesssion and be creative.
Declan O'Malley who captained the team put in a great shift and was helped by Conor and Danny, while up front the lively Francis was complemented by the intelligent work of Eoghan who was always looking for space in behind the Rangers defence.
As the half wore on Celtic gained the upper hand and were unlucky not to score when Francis's effort came back off the post. Celtic were finding good possession in all areas of the pitch and were now supported by Chesney in attack and Cormac in midfield. Their fresh legs gave even more impetus to the home team. 0 0 at half time and Declan told his team mates they could win this one.
In the second half it was all Celtic, with wave after wave of attack but the goal just would not come. Jessie who swapped with Francis in goal, was proving to be a real handful for Rangers. Simon had a free kick whistle just wide and Celtic had 9 corners in 2nd half. But the sporting Rangers team somehow held out, indeed they might have snatched a late winner but for the timely intervention of Simon and Daniel. The resulting free kick went narrowly wide.
So 0-0 it finished and a very positive performance from this young team. The most pleasing aspect from the coach's point of view was the hard work ethic displayed by all. Everyone tried to make good decisions and move the ball quickly. The new off side rule was well managed and this team can take great heart from the first game. Training will be at training this Tues, 6.30pm. Meantime, c'mon you boys in green.
