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The crazy weather of 2016 continued tonight as this game started in blazing sunshine and ended in torrential rain but none of this detracted from a wonderful game of football. From the start it was clear that both teams were keen to play football the way it should be played as evidenced by both teams passing play. James Browne was the first to fire a warning shot with a strike that drifted just wide. While Castleknock enjoyed more possession Esker countered at every opportunity and the defence of Andre Ungareau and Ryan Mc Gregor needed to be on their toes at all times. At the other end the Esker defence were doubling up on striker, Esse Okirikpo, and keeping the big man quiet. With both defences dominating chances were limited to long range efforts. HT: 0-0
As the second half started Celtic upped their game and in the early exchanges Caitlin Labont was starting to find holes in the previously impregnable Esker defence. Fresh legs in the shape of Esse and Luke Hughes were re-introduced to increase the attacking options. Immediately Esse was causing mayhem – twice he broke through and twice he was denied by wonderful saves from the Esker No 1. Minutes later Esse thought he had broken the deadlock as the ball was scrambled home following good work by Caitlin and James only for the Referee to disallow it for an earlier infringement. A goal would surely come and it did…………….to ESKER. A break down the right saw the ball played into the box. Celtic had three chances to clear but indecision saw the Esker striker take his chance to power past “Mad Max”. 0-1.
Celtic were rocked and started to panic but the call from the line was “relax, there’s still plenty of time. Play your football”. The call worked. The lads calmed down. Ryan and Maccer re-established stability in defence and Ben, Luke and James starting providing the craft to create the chances for Esse. Celtic were dominating but again Esse was denied by another wonderful save……………….but not for long. The ball was played to Esse who still had a lot of work to do…………….past one, past two, past three and then boom into the net. Esse went on a run, clearly thrilled to beat the big man in the Esker goal. 1-1
Celtic went in search of a winner and again Esse powered through and hit a wonderful strike that brought a world class save from the Leixlip stopper. Time was running out but Celtic remained patient and duly got their reward. With less than 5 minutes to go the ball was played forward. Was it a bird? Was it a plane? No it was SuperEsse as he powered through for the final time and scored a wonderful goal. He went wild, his team mates went wild, the line went wild. All we were missing was Gene Kelly “Singin’ in the Rain”. This was a special moment and no thunderstorm was going to destroy this. Still 4 minutes to go and it seemed like an eternity but in truth Celtic saw out the game comfortably. FT: 2-1
It takes two teams to make a great game so well done to Esker. This was a very tight game and was in the balance right until Celtic got their equaliser and then, and only then, did Celtic truly pen Esker back. Esker are a nice footballing side and in their No 1 they have a wonderful keeper. The young lad along with SuperEsse were the “Men of the Match”. For Celtic this was a hard fought and well deserved victory. On a difficult pitch and in poor playing conditions the lads played some lovely football but this was a victory earned by true grit and hard work. SuperEsee may have scored the goals and got the headlines but all nine players on duty secured the win. Well done Boys. Keep up the good work.
