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Back to the league for Under 12A1 after their exploits in the SFAI cup last week. Bradley C was unavailable for the day so there were 12 players ready to see their 2 away wins on the bounce. After what seemed like a gum ball rally to get to the pitch, 6 cars went 4 ways! we eventually got together as a group 15 minutes prior to kickoff. Dawide Biernat was in goal, Captain Jake Rice, Dylan Thompson and Ethan O’Reilly in defence, Dylan Coyne, Lee Canavan and Adam Geraghty in midfield, Nkemjika Onwemrhe and Dylan Osbourne up front. Cian DaCosta, Evan Ryan and Josh Holland the backup. Similar pattern of play as has happened over the last few weeks, Castleknock not as quick to the ball as the opposition. Talking too long on the ball and not finding players in space was causing problems and Castleknock gave the fist goal away when losing possession on the edge of their won box. 1-0 Ballyoulster. When Castleknock did get on the ball in space they were finding a way through. After 15 minutes the coaches decided to unleash "The Joshmeister”. He was joined by Evan Ryan and Cian DaCosta. Providing the calm guile needed Josh started to hold possession up from with simple passing and control of the ball. Cian added much needed energy and soon Castleknock were on top. After good work by Josh and Cian a great through ball by Cian to the well placed striker and Evan powered home 1-1. Dylan Coyne, Adam Geraghty and Dylan Osborne were starting to play some good passes and started to dominate. But again Ballyoulster were given too much time on the ball and soon it was 2-1, no chance for Dawide. Straight from the kick off Castleknock pushed on and Josh did the damage with a fine finish from a perfect cross from Dylan Osborne, 38 seconds after conceding a goal it was 2-2. Ethan was driving the play forward and linking play with Josh and winning a corner. Dylan C quickly to Dylan O, cross filed ball and Josh to finish the half on a high. 3-2 at half time and Castleknock a bit fortunate.
Castleknock started well but were conceding space and Ballyoulster were turning the Castleknock team around to face their own goal. This was largely due to Castleknock not being firm enough in the tackle and being too slow to react to a loose ball. It was a good tactic as Ballyoulster were good at corners and scored 2 goals. But that was it for Ballyouslster, Dylan Thompson, Adam Geraghty and Jake Rice firming up in defence. So game on and Castleknock started to dominate as Ballyoulster tired with only 1 substitute to use. Josh was unlucky not to get a hat trick, dragging his shot wide. The goal eventually came with Evan Ryan in the right place from a fine move and ball in from Nkemjika on the right wing. The good passages of Castleknock play came from controlling the ball in midfield, playing the ball to a player in space and moving off the ball. This happened again and a free 20 yards on the right of the pitch was given. The players know best and elected Dylan Osborne to take the free. Like FIFA 16 is was powerhouse shot and if it was not for the nets, the ball would have landed in Co. Limerick, such was the power and direction of the shot. 5-4 but you felt that Castleknock needed another goal to finish off a gallant Ballyoulster. And sure enough another corner caused a bit of Imelda May in the box, mayhem as its known in the trade, and they hit the post twice in succession. But up the pitch Castleknock went and Nkemjika was there to put the finishing touch on a Dylan Osborne shot, 6-4 and no way back for Ballyouster who ended with only 8 on the pitch as two players were injured.
So, a fine result which was a bit unfair on Ballyoulster who deserved at least a draw. This Castleknock team have a higher standard of performance in them and showed in glimpses what they can do. But too often the wrong decision was made and at too slow a pace. But still some fine performances, in particular Dylan Osborne with 3 assists and a goal but man of the match to Josh Holland for his hold up play up front and linking with the oncoming players in particular but also his 2 goals. Oh and his great footwork on the left side in the second half which brought a few OOOHs and AHHHs front the sideline. Well done Josh, the hard work in training paying off. NO TRAINING TUESDAY.
