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Honours even in rain soaked Six Goal Thriller”
Castleknock entered unchartered territory this weekend with a third game in as many weeks for the first time this season. Facing them in what would be a tricky away fixtures were old foes Firhouse Carmel for their fourth encounter in the past twelve months with Celtic keen to stop the pattern of home wins thus far.
The pitch was playable………just, but it would be a battle to retain footing as the pitch deteriorated in horrible playing conditions. The early exchanges gave no hint of the drama to follow as both teams adjusted to the underfoot conditions. Firhouse playing with a strong wind looked to pierce the Celtic defence by releasing the ball early while Celtic’s play built around neat passing exchanges as they tried to unlock the opposition defence. With 25 minutes on the clock Celtic made the breakthrough when Antonio Neto cut in from the right and unleashed a left foot shot past the Firhouse number one. 0-1. Firhouse were rocked and Castleknock could have, indeed should have, made it two when Leigh Reilly squared the ball to Kiano Ryan who just failed to connect from two yards out. Having weathered the Castleknock storm Firhouse got a break when Celtic conceded the softest of goals two minutes from half time when an innocuous header somehow made its way into the net. HT: 1-1
With a strong wind at their backs Celtic deservedly went 1-2 up when Kiano finished well following good work on the left from Ciaran Collins. There was a question mark over whether the ball had fully crossed the line but the Referee was well placed to make the call. Castleknock sought to capitalise and duly made it 1-3 when Reilly finished from 8 yards following a Mark Hughes corner. Despite having the lead and a strong breeze at their backs Celtic were far from fluid as players on both sides struggled with the difficult conditions. Still it was a defensive error that allowed Firhouse back into the game to make it 2-3 . Game on.
The next goal would be critical. Firhouse were awarded a freekick just outside the box – awarded for hand ball although it was clearly ball to hand as ball hit the Celtic defenders elbow while running back. If the awarding of the free kick was fortuitous there was nothing fortuitous about the quality strike that flew straight into the net. 3-3. The game was now end to end. Firhouse broke again but credit to Tommy Bowe, who was having a difficult morning, as he made an excellent smothering save from the strikers shot to deny Firhouse the lead. In the dying seconds Celtic almost stole it when following a Hughes corner, Reillys shot from 6 yards out was well saved and from the re-bound Donatus Mweke’s shot flew just over. FT: 3-3
This was a missed opportunity for Castleknock as they failed to see out the game when 3-1 up. While there were some excellent passages of play on what a difficult surface this was not a great performance from Celtic with some players at times making elementary errors and lacking effort. If the lads want to climb the table it will take collective improved performances as a team to achieve this.
Let us not forget Firhouse who showed great spirit and character as they came back from 1-3 down to earn, in the end, a deserved draw. It’s hard to understand how this team is at the foot of the table and with displays like this it won’t be long before they climb up the division. Well done lads.
Finally, and importantly, well done to the Referee, M. Hogan for a great game today. While there will always be differences of opinion Mr Hogan kept up with the play, was firm in his decision making and always took time to explain his decisions to both Players and Management alike. More Referees like this and the game will be the better for it.
