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- St Ita’s Portane 2 – 1 Castleknock Celtic FC
“St Ita’s Edge Home but plenty to smile about for Celtic”
What a strange season this is – no better emphasised than the adventures of this Motley Crew of 17 year olds. The Lads had a wonderful start to the season and by mid-October were Top the Table and unbeaten for the first time in their careers. Their performances had attracted attention which saw them promoted to the “A” division. Promoted and then, due to the severe weather conditions, no games for 3.5 months.
With that background the last thing this team needed was a Cup game against a St Itas side that boasted an unbeaten record this season. Matters were not helped by the availability of only 11 players.
Despite these setbacks it was Celtic, with the benefit of a strong wind, who started the brighter and there were encouraging signs with some fine passages of play. However it was against the run of play that Ita’s took the lead. Ita’s were awarded a free kick at the half way line which their quick thinking midfielder took quickly (albeit the Ref should have called it back as the ball was still moving and bouncing when taken!!!). The Celtic defence were slow to react allowing the Ita’s striker to run on to the ball and place it with accuracy past the oncoming Alex Regan into the net. 1-0.
Despite the setback it was Celtic who enjoyed more possession although with Ita’s counter attacking it took some excellent keeping by Regan to avoid conceding. Try as they may Celtic struggled to break down the well organised Ita’s defence and when they did breakthrough they were met with the immovable object that was the Home No 1. HT: 1-0.
Whilst in the second half it was Celtic who played into the wind their close passing served them well as they went in search of an equaliser. Again the St Ita’s defence in general and their keeper in particular stood tall. Surely a goal would come and with 25 minutes to go it duly came – to St Ita’s!!! On a rare St Ita’s attack a free kick was conceded. The well struck shot was saved by Regan but it was the alert St Ita’s attack that followed up to make it 2-0.
With the wind at their backs St Ita’s pushed to put the game beyond Celtic’s reach. Regan made another great save and only good defending by Daniel Hughes, Rohan, Omar Emara and Sean Costello kept the difference at two. Indeed one tackle by Emara was a goalsaver as it prevented a 3-0 scoreline.
Lifted Celtic battled back. Chances came but could not be taken. With 15 minutes to go Celtic went for broke with a 3-5-2 formation. Celtic pushed and started piercing holes in the previously impregnable Ita’s defence. James Davy and Liam O’ Neill came close and then the best chance fell to O’ Neill whose shot beat the keeper and just went over. Then Costello went on a mazy run past 4 but was denied from 10 yards out. Minutes later Narcis Catre thought he had scored from a Davy cross but the Referee who was unsure if the ball had crossed the line said play on. With minutes to go Celtic finally got the goal their display deserved when O’ Neill finished well.
Time was running out but there would be one more chance and it fell to Catre but as had happened so often during the match the Ita’s number one made another good save. Final score 2-1 but it could have been 4-4 and given the poor conditions this was a rousing Cup tie.
A defeat, exit from the Cup but it wasn’t all doom and gloom. This was the Celts first defeat of the season and against a good St Ita’s side the lads showed they are more than capable. All 11 on duty gave 100% with special mentions to Gavin Keane and Alex Regan (Captain & Vice Captain respectfully) who led by example. If the Celts can show the same attitude and give this level of performance every week they should fear no one in the “A” division and will give anyone a run for money.
