- OUR PARTNERS
“ Ding dong battle as derby ends in draw”
Ding Dong merrily on high. It may not be Christmas but this match certainly had the bells ringing as Leicester and Castleknock treated us all to a wonderful spectacle. Leicester who had been cruelly denied by Castleknock in the Cup last month were clearly up for the game while things were far from ideal for Castleknock who were having to adjust to the late withdrawal of keeper Thomas Bowe who had been taken ill the previous night.
The game started at a frantic pace and the early exchanges saw Castleknock’s passing matched by Leicester’s tenaciousness. With 10 minutes on the clock Castleknock took a deserved lead. John Kane pressurised the Leicester defender into a poor headed clearance from a Collins cross and as the ball fell to Mark Hughes the youngster hit a first time shot from the edge of the box into the top right hand corner. However there were telling signs as Leicester challenged everything and certainly dominated the aerial battle. Within minutes it was 1-1 when a Leicester free kick was met at the far post by the midfielder who rose unchallenged to power the ball home. Shortly after Leicester took the lead and again it was a set piece – corner ball to the unmarked and unchallenged striker who finished well. 1-2. It was proving a strange as Castleknock who looked stylish on the ball also looked lethargic when not in possession.
Despite creating the better chances it took a moment of genius to secure the equaliser. Matthew Russell went down the right wing before crossing the ball to Hughes just outside the box who from 18 yards hit a first time piledriver into the roof of the net. HT: 2-2
At half time the Coaches while applauding the Celts passing football were speechless with regard to a general sluggishness off the ball. Well the half time talk clearly worked as the second half was a different story. At the back Mattew Elliott ,Cathal Flynn and Alex San Emeterio had looked assured while Dylan Mc Donagh’s second half outfield appearance made a difference as he anchored the midfield which allowed Leigh Reilly in particular more freedom to launch forward. Meanwhile Kian Ryan who was unlucky not to score in the first half was proving a handful up front. With all the possession it was therefore a surprise when Leicester took the lead. A poor defensive clearance was punished by Leicester as their striker provided a lovely finish for his second to put his team in front. 2-3.
Undaunted Castleknock continued to pass the ball well and thanks to Russell and Kane on the wings. With 15 minutes left Castleknock won an indirect free inside the box where Reilly’s well taken strike was clearly handled but the Referee gave nothing. Minutes later there was another handball but again nothing. Just when it seemed it wasn’t Celtic’s day Hughes released Reilly who was pulled back for a penalty. Up stepped Reilly to coolly place the ball into the net. Goal!! But no, the Referee demanded a retake. All credit to Reilly, who despite some taunting, kept his nerve to score. 3-3.
The last 10 minutes of the game was a tense affair. Castleknock dominating and Leicester looking to capitalise with counter attacks. Reilly, Ryan and Collins all had chances before Hughes nearly secured the points with an effort that just edged wide but it wasn’t to be as the game finished in a draw.
It certainly was a ding dong battle and credit to the Castleknock boys for their work ethic. A special mention to young Mark Hughes who showed what hard work on the training pitch does – while Hughes had started the season well his form had waned over a 4 week spell but the training ground efforts have paid off as the youngster has hit top form over the past few weeks. The goals were of course pleasing but it was the tackling and top drawer passing that stood out today.
And so the Castleknock boys continue their recent good form which they will hope to maintain as they approach the mid season break.
