- OUR PARTNERS
The talented Navan Road Utd arrived on another beautiful sunny autumn morning at Porterstown boasting a 100% success rate that included a 9-2 footballing lesson handed out to Castleknock Celtic on the first day of the season and were clearly intent on extending their record. Castleknock for their part were keen to see if the efforts in training over the past month that had seen their performances improve weekly could result in a challenge to the league leaders.
The Celts started well but were dealt a cruel blow when Navan scored what can only be described as a freakish goal following their first attack. Undaunted Castleknock continued to push forward and their slick passing had Navan on the back foot. Navan were relying on the long ball with the following wind and it Castleknock who were enjoying more possession. Despite this the Celts were again caught napping from asset piece to go two down. This clearly shook Castleknock and all of a sudden their passing game evaporated as the game became a midfield battle of attrition. During this period Navan had the better of the chances and it was left to inspirational Captain, Sean Costello and his defensive partner Adam Rahaman to sweep up at the back. HT 0 – 2.
Two down but the Coaches reminded the Celts that they had played the better football and that to get back to that in the second half. The injured Alex Regan offered to play and reprise his cameo role up front that he has performed so well in this season. After about 10 mins of the half the Celts started to find their range with their passing as they carved open the Navan defence. Mid way through the half Liam O’ Neill and Peter Germaine were introduced as the Celts went for broke. Within minutes a goal was clawed back as Regan, who had chased a lost cause, beat his man before hitting a right foot shot from the left hand side that beat the talented Navan keeper at his near post.
It was more than a goal it was a lift as the whole team became revitalised. Chances came and both Germaine and O’Neill came close. O’ Neill again had an opportunity and may have felt he should have done better but in fairness to the youngster he had got into the position to create the chance. Pressure finally told with 10 minutes left when Regan squared the ball across the box to O’ Neill who drifted wide before rifling the ball into the net. Cue wild celebrations and that was just from the Castleknock support.
Castleknock searched for a winner with Costelloe going into midfield but it wasn’t to be as time ran out for the attacking Celts. A wonderful performance full of character not to mention some quality play from the lads who were deserving of the rousing applause and cheers from their line. A special mention to Omar and Alex who showed their commitment to their team and team mates by playing through the pain barrier – well done and thank you guys
