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Castleknock Celtic FC 3 – 3 St Mochtas FC
“Honours even for Celtic & Mochtas with Football the real winner ”
On a cold February morning two old local rivals took to the pitch and produced a wonderful spectacle that would warm the coldest hands (and heart) as these two groups of ten year olds showed us how to play football.
From the off it was clear both teams wanted to play football and both wanted a win in this local derby. Celtic using the wings at every opportunity and Mochtas looking to pierce the Celtic defence with some quick fire breaks. Mochtas took the lead after 10 minutes with a swift, slick break that was finished in some style with a thunderous shot by their attacking midfielder, Herman. 0-1. Indeed young Herman nearly made it two nil with another great shot that flew just over. But back came Celtic – Caitlin Labont, arguably the smallest player on the pitch, showed all the attributes of speed, strength and skill as he went on a battling run that served to inspire his team.
With James Brown pulling the strings in centre mid Celtic were gaining the upper hand. Luke Hughes on the right, who has gained a reputation for skilful touches and shooting, was showing the work rate and physicality that has been lacking in recent times. Chances came - Andre Ungareanu was picking up great positions and on three occasions came close as impressively he swung his left peg at the ball. Ryan “Maccer” Mc Gregor hit a great controlled drive that forced the keeper into a great save and Luke had two efforts from 25 yards out well stopped. A goal would come and it did but not as expected as it was Mochtas who caught Celtic with a sucker punch to break and score with a well worked and finished goal to make it 0-2.
At half time the Coaches told their charges not to worry. They were proud of them with arguably one of their best performances of the season mixing a passing game with a steely physicality not seen before. Celtic were two down but never out. The next goal would be critical and it came Celtic’s way as Esse Okirikpo, who is on a great goal scoring run at present, netting to make it 1-2. GAME ON. Both teams were going for it. Ben Forde had come on for James ,who had worked himself tirelessly, and the transition was seemless as Ben was everywhere. “Maccer”, who like Ryan Sherlock was so assured at the back got a well deserved break but with Andre taking over again there was no let up as Celtic went in search of an equaliser. With 15 minutes left Celtics efforts were rewarded after a great team move was finished by Esse to make it 2-2.
Esse was unstoppable and could have got his hat trick were it not for some great defending. But back came Mochtas and their tails were up again as they went 2-3 up. It was nip and tuck with both teams playing with abandon. As the game entered its final stages that man, Esse ,finally got his hat-trick with a well deserved equaliser. FT: 3-3.
What a game, what a comeback with a draw a fitting result for the efforts of both teams. The Celtic Coaches were thrilled with their charges performance – we know the lads have the skill but today they showed a want and character that produced a wonderful comeback the likes of which we had not witnessed before – well done lads. Players like Ryan Sherlock, Luke Hughes, Caitlin Labont and Ben Forde showed new found strength which in no small way lifted those around them. The finishing of Esse was excellent and James Browne showed he is nearly back to his brilliant best following his recent illness. Who was Man of the Match? Was it Esse for his hat-trick? Was it Luke’s all action display? No because today there were 10 Castleknock lads who played their hearts out for each other, their team, their Coaches and their families. Well done lads – we’re proud of you.
