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Off to Ringsend on a sunny Saturday morning to play Pearse Rangers on a wonderful All Weather Pitch. Castleknock started the brighter with Owen Boyle captaining the side for the day. Richard Ogu in goal was distributing the ball to his midfielders with great skill, in particular to Yusuf ElMosey who was creating good space on the right for passes. Dylan Coyne and Owen Boyle, playing as a back two, were breaking forward at every opportunity and creating chances with their quick passing. After some good pressure Castleknock deservedly took the lead with a fine goal from Neil Kirtane. Not resting on their laurels, they continued to apply pressure and some short corners were creating opportunities to shoot. However the Rangers keeper did not need to make any saves. Jesse Okpetu and Neil Kirtane shot wide and Dylan had a shot blocked that looked a certain goal. Eoghan Smithers and Ross Kennedy were ready to pounce on any goal opportunity, but the ball would not run their way. As the half moved on Pearse Rangers came more into it and a fine save by Richard ensured that Castleknock went in 1-0 up at half time.
The second half saw Pearse start brightly. Castleknock were guilty of not passing the ball and getting caught in possession. From a Rangers' corner, Dylan Coyne put in a block and unfortunately deflected the ball goalbound. Jesse could do nothing to prevent the equaliser. Again, Castleknock could not hold onto the ball and stopped doing what they were doing in the first half (making space for a pass and then passing the ball). Pearse Rangers were now creating many 3v1s on the attack and would have scored many times if it was not for for Owen Boyle and Dylan Coyne's great tackling. On one occasion 3 players were charging at Jesse in goal only for Dylan Coyne to get back with a sliding tackle - excellent play. With the midfield tiring, Pearse Rangers were gaining momentum and 2 quick-fire goals turned this match on its head. 3-1 with 5 minutes left.
Castleknock kept working hard and Ross Kennedy showed how it should be done with a quick run into space, one touch control and a defence splitting pass setting Neil Kirtane free. Unfortunately Neil's shot was well saved by the keeper. So it ended 3-1 to Pearse Rangers but a much better performance from Castleknock, in particular in the first half. The players have a lot to be proud of and all showed great effort right to the end.
The Man of the Match goes to Owen Boyle which was well deserved for his passing display, closely followed by Dylan Coyne. Owen gets to pick the skill for training on Monday.
