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Away Day Blues Quarryvale 3 - 0 Castleknock Celtic
A sunny morning, it was the perfect start to the day. If ever there was a day for football this was it, or so you would think. But Kickoff was at 10.30 and some players seemed to be still in bed when kickoff came. Twelve players set off for the first away win. Bradley Creighton, Ethan O’Reilly, Jake Rice, Dylan Thompson, Adam Geraghty & Bradley Creighton the defensive stronghold, Dylan Coyne, Lee Canavan, Dylan Osbourne, Nkemjika Onwemrhe the midfield warriors and Evan Ryan and Josh Holland the attack. From the first whistle Quarryvale were faster, with and without the ball. It was a fine big pitch with plenty of space but Castleknock did not start well and seemed to be put off their game by Quarryvale, who, as I said were faster to the ball (even their slow players!!!) and did not give the Castleknock players any time on the ball. And so the pattern of play for the first 15 minutes was set. Castleknock slow to get after the ball and slow on the ball, Quarryvale quick in the tackle. Even though Castleknock were starting slow, they did not give up many chances. But the first goal came from a kick out. Bradley C with no options but the central defender at the edge of his own box, but he was facing his goal instead of side on. Bradley with a pass to the only free player (the central defender) who took too long on the ball and the centre forward took the ball drilled passed Bradley C. For 15 minutes in the first half Castleknock started to put some moves together. Cian DaCosta and Jake R and Nkemjika O adding some much needed urgency in the Castleknock team. Josh H shot wide after a fine move. Evan unlucky with a left foot try. Dylan O unlucky with a fine strike. A perfect corner untouched as it crossed the goal 3 yards out. The reason Bradley C had nothing really to do in the first half was really about some strong tackles by Adam G in defence.
1-0 at half time but Castleknock cutting through Quarryvale when they played a proper pass and moved. So, start the second half and Nkemjika O with a great chance to equalise but the keeper saved. Josh was creating space and playing in some fine passes with his clever movement. The midfield were now getting on top but too often the wrong decision was made up front. All too often the strikers tried to turn their marker and lost the ball instead of playing to the onrushing on rushing midfielders who were now on top. Dylan C and Adam G were now linking up well and with a weaving David Silva like run Adam G with a perfect ball across the face of goal but two Castleknock players missed the ball. Castleknock got caught with a sloppy pass (about 3 yards) from defence and forced to give a free. BOOM 2-0. It was then that Castleknock started to seek players and the midfield got the team moving. Josh, Dylan C, Adam G and Jake R driving the team forward. Quarryvale were now playing 6 defenders and no midfielders with two strikers. But Castleknock could not find a goal despite some good moves. The last Quarryvale goal was a goal kick from the ground, beat the whole Castleknock Celtic team and their No.7 ran free as a bird into the space and scored. 2 touches for a goal, one in each penalty box. Go figure that one out!
So, not the best performance from this team. Not enough energy or desire to win the ball and not making the right decision when on the attack. Simples. So Man of the Match. Strong performances from Adam G, Cian DaC and Josh H but man of the match for Dylan Osborne, for his two “worldie" saves in the second half and great distribution again. Well done Dylan O, see you all Monday and bring some energy!
