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“Celts take points in top of table clash”
Castleknock Celtic welcomed Home Farm to Porterstown for a crucial fixture in the U13 A DDSL with both sides looking for a win. In what proved to be a tight game Celtic took a deserved first half lead when Ug Rowland finished well. On the stroke of half time Farm struck to make it 1-1 leaving the tie well balanced for a tense second half.
The second half delivered what you would expect from two high quality teams. The pace of the game was frantic with no quarter given and none asked. Despite the intensity of the game Castleknock never betrayed their footballing principles and as the match entered its final quarter it was Farms steely determination against Celtic’s counter attacking quick passing game.
With 15 minutes left Celtic edged in front when Brian Dalton released Ciaran Mc Garry on the left with a lovely weighted pass. Mc Garry still had plenty to do as he cut in from the left and bore in on goal before lifting the ball over the Farm keeper and into the roof of the net. 2-1.
The goal lifted the play of both teams but as the game entered the final quarter Farm raged forward and threw everything at Celtic. They hit the post and were denied in a frantic 5 minute period by two great saves by Andy and some resolute defending by a battling Celtic defence who put their bodies on the line with some brave tackling and blocks.
The game was finally decided in a one minute spell as the game entered its final minutes. First Farm missed an open goal when scoring appeared the easier option. Seconds later it was 3-1 with a goal worthy to win any game when Michael Afuye volleyed home an unstoppable shot from Mc Garrys cross. FT 3-1
An enthralling game with Celtic running out deserved winners. After the recent reverse against Leicester Celtic this was exactly what Castleknock needed. More importantly Coaches Robbie Ryan and Antonio Mantero will have been proud of the character shown by their team who continue to play a brand of football that makes this team one of the standard bearers in the Club.
