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This was Russell Moore’s third Cup Final in succession. He could be forgiven if he feared it would be ground hog day as his team had lost the previous two. He was hoping for a change of fortune for his team today against Lourdes Celtic who lie in 3rd place just behind Castleknock Celtic in the league table. This time round his coaching team was led by Damir Dervisic who is no stranger to the big time as he has won cup finals as a senior player with Castleknock Celtic in the past.
It was a murky afternoon with some unwelcome smoke in the air at the start of the game, but thankfully it got brighter as the afternoon progressed. Castleknock had beaten today’s opponents twice already this season, but cup games are one-off and anything can happen. Things looked bright for Castleknock when they made the breakthrough midway into the first half. Team captain Klevis Malaj found Fabian Wolski with his pass, and Fabian weaved his way through before he shot to the back of the net to make it 1-0. Castleknock could have doubled their lead before half time, but Brendan Stangu was denied by the Lourdes goalkeeper and captain who made a tremendous save minutes from the break.
At half time, Russell and Damir asked for more of the same commitment in the second half as their team were looking comfortably in charge.
After the break, Castleknock continued to look untroubled, with Tristan Girss, Kacem Touihri, Brendan Stangu and Dino Dervisic commanding the midfield. Full backs Darren Samson, Alasdair Thom and Liam Hosford were tireless and faultless in their defensive duties and playing effective supporting roles for the wide players. The centre of the defence had the rock-like pair of Chuck Obianyo and Hammad Siddiqui, who were in commanding form. Up front Castleknock were creating chances. Danny O’Mahony was producing menacing runs which threatened the Lourdes rearguard – 2 of his crosses almost led to goals, Scott Doyle on the right wing was proving a handful for the full back, Brendan Stangu went close with his shot into the side netting, and Craig Hughes with his Aryan Robyn-type runs up front, which looked sure to deliver the insurance goal. But despite all of this, the margin remained at its narrowest, 1-0. This can be a very precarious advantage, and so it proved today. With 7 minutes remaining, man of the match, Chuck Obianyo, who had been masterful throughout, left the ball for his keeper, but alas, a misunderstanding let in the Lourdes striker, Aaron Burke, who smashed home his effort that was too powerful for the excellent Sabin Ghet to stop in the Castleknock goal. At 1-1 with minutes remaining, it was a very tense time as Lourdes had the bit between their teeth and looked like they could get a second. Fortunately for Castleknock, time ran out and extra time was required.
The 2 periods of extra time failed to produce a goal, with defences and goal keepers being in command. The dreaded penalty shoot-out was upon us, and all the supporters were on tenterhooks. Less worried however were the manager and coach who had seen their team come through the quarter final with a penalty shoot out win over top of the table Rathcoole Boys. Their confidence was well-founded, as their players stepped forward confidently - Klevis, Dino, Brendan, Kacem and Chuck. Kacem can be forgiven for not converting his penalty as he has had a magnificent season with his versatility, happy to take on any role in the team that his manager required. Apart from the brilliant penalties, Sabin Ghet made a magnificent save which effectively won the shoot-out. The important thing today was that the shoot-out ended 4-3 to Castleknock Celtic. some video action
One player who did not take part today was Great Imole who has played a huge role for his team this season, but due to a serious leg injury his season was prematurely ended and he was unable to play, but full credit to him, he was in the AUL Complex for the game and he cheered on every effort of his team mates. more video action
A final thought for Lourdes Celtic. They were magnificent opponents who played the game fairly and were within a whisker of winning this game in regulation time.
The after match interviews in the Castleknock Hotel heard Klevis Malaj, the team captain, praise all his team mates for their great efforts, as did man of the match Chuck Obianyo. A special word of thanks is due to Kashif who kindly helped sponsor the football kits. Many thanks.
