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Honours Even in Game of Two Halves
On an unseasonally wet May morning, Leixlip were the visitors to Porterstown for this crucial fixture. Both teams have been playing well of late and a tight game was envisaged – we were not disappointed with what turned out to be a wonderful spectacle.
Both teams attacked from the start and it was Celtic who carried the early threat. Ben Forde hit a rasper that brought a wonderful save from the Leixlip No 1 then Esse Ikirikpo was put through but again the Leixlip keeper was up to the task. Despite this Leixlip were showing enough that they too were a danger and took the lead 15 minutes into the game with a well worked move that ended with a deflected goal beating Max Ostapchuk 0-1. Minutes later Leixlip were two up. A kickout went straight to the Leixlip striker and he duly blasted home. 0-2 but there were greater concerns as “Mad Max” had injured his right foot. Thankfully Max bravely played on despite being in pain and he was needed as Leixlip looked to capitalise further and were it not for some valiant defending by Messrs Sherlock & Mac Gregor together with some fine saves by Mad Max then Celtic could have had a bigger hill to climb. As the half wore on Celtic regained their composure and only two more wonderful saves from the Leixlip keeper stopped Celtic clawing back what would have been a deserved goal. HT: 0-2
At half time the Celtic Coaches encouraged their charges to believe in themselves – “keep doing what you are doing and you will get your reward”. The early exchanges were close – Leixlip enjoying more possession but Celtic creating the better chances only to again meet the immovable object in the Leixlip goal. Caitlin Labont and Esse both came close before with 10 minutes of the half gone fresh legs were introduced in the shape of Luke Hughes and James. The substitutions worked as both were instrumental in clawing Celtic back into the game. First James powered home from a delightful Stevie G corner to make it 1-2 and then moments later Luke powered down the right and went straight through on goal . As he closed in on the Leixlip stopper he feigned a shot as he squared to the unmarked Andre Ungareanu, who having made a great run, drove the ball into the net. 2-2 and still plenty of time for a winner. James and Stevie G were bossing the midfield while Luke, keen to make up for a poor first half performance, was covering every blade on the pitch. Chances came, with Esse again denied by good goalkeeping. But Leixlip also were up for it as they countered on a regular basis – it was end to end. With 30 seconds left Leixlip attacked swiftly with their striker 1 V 1 against “Mad Max” who made a wonderful double save to ensure the game deservedly finished in a draw. FT: 2-2
This was a wonderful exciting game with the honours deservedly shared. Leixlip edged the first half and Celtic the second with both teams playing football the way it should be played. Leixlip have some very talented players and along with Celtic’s “Mad Max” have one of the best keepers in the league. For Celtic there were many positives – Ryan “Mac” and Ryan S were again solid in defence, “Stevie G” showed a workrate that was essential to-day while Esse , who had to be the unluckiest player not to get on the scoresheet, showed he is developing into a top class player. Well done lads. More of the same please on Tuesday!!!
Celtic’s first half display the difference in thrilling encounter : Carriglea 2 Ck Celtic 4
After the wettest winter in living memory it is no surprise that as May arrived there was a back log of fixture for many teams it was going to be a busy month. This was the first of 6 games in May for our Young Celts and first up were Cariglea away.
Celtic started like an express train and within two minutes James Browne and Esse Okirikpo had both come close before the two combined to allow James to score with a powerful drive into the bottom corner. 0-1. Minutes later Ryan “Maccer” Mc Gregor fed Ben “Stevie G” Forde who swept the ball to Esse who in turn put through James and suddenly it was 0-2. Cariglea could not cope with the pace of the Celtic attack and soon it was three with this time James providing Esse with a chance which he duly took to make it 0-3. The pressure was relentless – Luke swung in two glorious corners with James and Andre Ungareanu just failing to make it four. As the half wore on the Celtic players started to push more and more forward leaving gaps at the back which thankfully were being “plugged” by Messrs Sherlock and Mc Gregor who again were coolness personified. However just before half time Cariglea stole a goal back. Following their keepers clearance the Cariglea midfielder hit a shot of a lifetime to score a cracking goal from the half way line to make it 1-3 at the break.
3-1 Celtic had no need to worry but as the second half began it was Celtic who were lacking the composure and it was Cariglea following their wonderful goal who came out battling. After 10 minutes Cariglea deservedly pulled a goal back to make it 2-3. It was anyones game now and the next goal would be crucial. The game was now end to end – Ben, James and Andre twice all came close while at the other end “Mad” Max Ostapchuk was called on to make a smart save. Celtic broke and Caitlin fed Esse who shot narrowly wide. With 8 minutes left Celtic finally got the all important goal as he raced through on to a ball from “Stevie G” before smashing the ball into the roof of the net. 2-4. Credit to Cariglea back they came and with three minutes left they made it 3-4. The nerves were tingling but again thanks to some great defensive work by the two Ryans Celtic held on for a close but important win. FT: 2-4.
To Cariglea we say well done – they were 3-0 down and in trouble but fought their way back with a spirited display and on another day may have got the draw. For Celtic it was a mixed performance – a good rather than spectacular performance and there were concerns as they let a three goal lead slip. However there were plenty of positives – James continued good form, Esse showing increased awareness as a striker with a really impressive performance and Andre ,who worked tirelessly all day, with a performance that deserved a goal having struck some wonderful shots. 5 games to go lads – let’s make them count.
