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On a sunny Saturday morning Castleknock made the short trip to Lucan to play Esker Celtic. While the Boys travelled with confidence, following three straight home wins on the trot, it was their away form, where the young Celts have struggled a bit with old fashioned homesickness, that made this derby game against an Esker side, looking to build on a promising start to the season, such a tricky assignment.
Celtic started well and while dominating possession Esker looked dangerous on the break where thankfully Ryan Sherlock and Captain “Maccer” Mc Gregor were giving nothing away. Celtic took the lead midway through when Caitlin Labont broke from defence before releasing a lovely through ball to Ivan Hristov who supplied a cool finish. With the confidence of a lead Celtic started to play their football with “ The Lukemeister” Luke Hughes busy on the right and Ben “Stevie G” Forde pulling the strings in the middle. Soon it was two with Ben slotting the ball home from a ridiculously tight angle. HT: 0 – 2.
To their credit Esker started the half the stronger and deservedly pulled a goal back with a good finish by their left winger. This was a difficult period for Celtic and they needed to be at their defensive best to protect their lead. However as the half wore on Celtic reasserted themselves and nearly scored a wonderful goal. James Browne and Stevie G were involved before the “Lukemeister” struck a lovely cross where Andre Ungarneau, having made a great run before blasted the ball over with a spectacular left footed effort. Credit to Andre for using his left foot and he got his reward moments later when he finished to make it 1-3. Celtic pushed for more and ace marksman, Esse Okirikpo, made it 1-4. Credit to Esse who having suffered a blood injury showed great character by coming back on and deservedly got on the scoresheet. Well done.
Despite Celtic enjoying more possession it was Esker who came closest to scoring again when their tall No 8 struck a lovely shot that was matched by a quality save from “Mad Max” Ostapchuk.
Celtic were thrilled with this rare away win against a valiant and sporting Esker side but in truth this was a solid rather than spectacular performance from the Boys. Still if you can score four without being at your best then you’re not a bad side. There’s always room for improvement but as this Group have shown all season they are always up for the challenge. As one player quipped “Who’s next?” Well done lads. Keep it up. Oh, and one more thing thanks to Andre’s dad for the “HEALTHY!!!” treat at the end of the game.
