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6th Feb 2016 – Castleknock Celtic 0 – 2 St Mochta's AFC
There’s nothing like a local derby to get all the players excited, school friends talk about the game and bragging rights are important when you are 11 or 12 years of age. There is always a warm welcome at our neighbours, St Mochtas. Like our own club, the emphasis is on player development and enhancing the experience of young people growing up in their local community, because ultimately that is the most important aspect of what we do, giving young people a positive experience in life skills through the medium of football. But enough of the deep stuff.
St Mochtas began the game with the confidence of a team a few leagues above their opposition. Celtic’s depleted squad required a little bit of bravery by players being asked to play in unfamiliar positions to them, none more so than Declan O’Malley who played most of the game in goal, and performed really well. Ross played on the right with Simon and the ever improving Daniel on the left, Cormac on right, Connor and Owen B played in the centre, with Danny, and later Eoghan Smithers, were deployed on the left. Saleem played up front, but chased the ball around so much he actually played every position, if effort and and commitment and desire (and they usually do) won games, you would go a long way to find a better example of all the above. With St Mochtas on the front foot, they deservedly led 1-0 at half time.
In the second half Celtic put in such a strong effort, going close on lots of occasions and taking the game to the team 2 leagues above them, they were always looking to play in the right way, constructing the play in really good moves, moving the ball into the final third through good possession football, clearly making good decisions and every player on the pitch, supporting their fellow team mate with there desire to support the play.
Saleem drew a brilliant save from the home team’s keeper, while Connor in midfield had a smashing game, and Ross made a big impression with his tough tackling and overlapping runs and demonstrated why attitude and desire overcome pretty much any obstacle that’s in your way.
St Mochtas broke away and got a second goal before the end, a little bit against the run of play in this reporter’s opinion, and so it finished 2-0 to the home team. Well done to all of the players today, your commitment and skill were absolutely outstanding. See you Monday, guys.
