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It was the start of a new league and with the pitches struggling with the weather it was heavy going in Porterstown. To make matters worse it was a clash with Terenure Rangers who we have played 7 or 8 times over the last 2 years and always seem to struggle against. With our in-form goalkeeper Callum S also out due to illness it was going to need a heroic effort to get a result.
But what an effort. The guys gave their heart and soul and executed the team tactics to perfection. With David putting on a man of the match performance on the opposition's most dangerous player the rest of the team had to remember to keep shape and discipline. Playing against the elements in the first half we dominated the opening ten, with keeping the ball at a premium. We created numerous opportunities with lovely through balls coming from Calum Gormley but our finishing just let us down. We also were breaking from midfield with Finn being dangerous while at all times Dylan and Guy protecting and marshalling the defence.
We had just commented on the sideline that we might regret the missed opportunities when Rangers broke out and from a cross that should have been cut out got a simple shot away and suddenly we were one down. It was with great credit to the guys that their heads never dropped and we piled further pressure on the opposition. We got level from a beautiful through ball again which led to Frankie breaking clear and calmly beating the keeper. With the half nearly over a Castleknock corner led to disarray in the Rangers defence and a shot back across the goal from Frankie was turned into their own goal with Michael and Cian bearing down on them.
Half time talk centred on the ability to use the wind, not to get caught too far forward and to remember to keep effort levels at a maximum. With Reece and Jack entering the fray we kept up the tempo straight after the break. We had plenty of possession and some great passing and movement in the second half with the competitions played over the last few weekends really helping the boys keep focused. However another sucker punch came with a great Rangers move with two 1-2s leading to our defence being unlocked and nothing Matthew (our stand in keeper - greatly appreciated) could do to stop the equaliser.
We needed calm heads for the last ten. We continued to play the better football and got our just rewards when a great move finished with a cross from David, was controlled by Cian who spotted Michael free on the back post for a well deserved finish and lead. We finished out the game from there and it was great to see a winning start to our league campaign. Long may it last.
Result
Castleknock 3 -2 Terenure Rangers
