- OUR PARTNERS
Castleknock win by odd goal in 9!
Castleknock 5-4 Ballyoulster AFC.
A game of 3 halves. Yes, 3 halves, log onto Manga High and it will say 3 halves equals Castleknock Celtic v Ballyoulster AFC. Seriously. A mid afternoon kickoff and back to league action for this team. With only 1 player missing, the squad was in good shape. Nkemjika O was off running for Dublin and no doubt showed how fast he is, nearly as fast as his old coaches we hear. Ethan O'Reilly was captain for the day after overcoming illness and practising really hard over the past week. So, the wylie reporter noted that it was Nicolas Biernat who started in goal, baby faced and ready for action. Dawide was at home in the warmth of his house. You can't tell them apart you see, even though 11 years separate them.....
In front of "Nicolas" was Jake R, Ethan O'R and Lee C. Dylan C and Adam G were in midfield, Evan R, Josh H and Dylan O up front. Cian DaC, Dylan T and Bradley C were in the bibs. The ref was nearly as fresh faced as "Nicolas" but in reality he was nearly as old as the starting line up combined..... But he had experience, is a good ref and is such a nice man.
Half 1: Anyway, a game broke out and Castleknock started well, moving the ball nicely and good support play. Given the number of goals we had better get right at it or TJ and Brian Cummins will be reading into Monday. Dylan O and Dylan C combining with great skill on the right corner. Josh with a peach of a ball, Dylan O slams home the volley. Teddy Sheringhamesque. 1-0. Dawide with a good save, pings long to Evan, heading on, defender back pass and Dylan O intercepts, SMASH 2-0. Gerrardesque. More good play, Bradley C starting, pass to Evan, outside boot over keeper to far top corner, a screamer, had to be there to see it. Romarioesque, no back lift you see.
So, you get the picture, cruising but then just like a Luas, the working stopped. Lost ball trying to skill players in poor position, break away, Nicolas saves, no recovery runs, striker scores rebound. 3-1. Half Time.
Half 2: Ballyoulster pressure, Castleknock pass around, Dylan C to Lee C who finds Josh H, and oh my gosh Josh, what a through ball, Mataesque and Evan through with another sweet finish, Litmannenesque (Finnish, you get it? The coaches are still laughing at that one!). Mr. O was not done yet, another sweet move and BOOOOOOOOM hat-trick for Dylan Osbourne and 5-1. Agueroesque. Game over? Apparently not.
Half 3 Freestyle: Ballyoulster were playing toward the Liffey Valley end and the striker could have been shopping in Marks and Spencer in Liffey Valley Shopping Centre and the ref would not have called offside. 5-2. His team mate must have heard of the bargains in the shops and he was on his way, receiving the ball near the River Liffey and 5-3. It appears that FIFA Law 11 does not apply in Freestyle 3rd halves but no one told Castleknock. As George Hamilton walked past he murmured "danger here". It was all Ballyoulster and they deservedly scored another goal, a powerful drive 5-4. Nicolas made yet another fine save in a 1 v 1 and a pile driver was given offside (yes, offside was given boys so stop giving out)!.
So end of game, 5-4 and big smiles on the sideline. Some players stopped working off the ball and some were suffering from recent illness so that hampered the performance, but it mostly the work rate. Both teams coaches and the ref had a good chat after the game about the spirit shown from both sets of players and sidelines. It was smiles all round and that is what football should be. With a glint in his eye the ref smiled and said it is good to have competitive games and for kids to be happy..... And sure enough all the kids were. A Fox indeed.
So, some standout performances, Nicolas, one so young yet so good in goal.... Dawide, if you're reading this, you better watch out! Ethan for his coolness, Dylan C for his energy and tackling, Josh for his killer passes and assists and Evan for his well taken goals. But no doubt about Man of the Match, Dylan Osbourne, well earned. Worked his socks off in the first half, great interchange passing and moving, kicked about the park at times with a DeJong to the stomach and 3 wonderful goals, and he is really enjoying scoring them.
Well done Dylan O, see you all at practice on Tuesday.
Truly a great bit of entertainment for the spectators. Thanks Lads.
