- OUR PARTNERS
For their first time in their young lives the Castleknock Celtic FC U11 were playing with the pressure of expectation. Not from their Coaches but themselves as “league watching” meant that they knew three points from two games meant promotion. The problem was todays game was away to third place St Marks who also knew that a win would give them an advantage going into the last game. Celtic had won their previous encounter in the first game of the season but even the most biased Celtic supporter would tell you that Celtic did not deserve the win that day. Today would be a BIG DAY. This was a Cup tie in all but name.
Celtic played into the wind in the first half but started the better and within 5 minutes were one up. Ryan Sherlock played a lovely weighted pass out right to Luke Hughes. The “Lukemeister” in turn hit a measured ball to Esse and boom it was 0-1. Nerves settled.
The game opened up. Marks attacked repeatedly but the “Ryans” (Sherlock and Mc Gregor) had learned from their indifferent performances against Leixlip and today produced top drawer displays. Positionally sound, first to the ball every time and top quality passing. Ditto for Luke and Ben “Stevie G” Forde who worked their backsides off. While Marks were seeing more of the ball Celtic, thanks to Ben’s passing, were creating the clearer chances. HT: 0-1.
From the start of the half Celtic showed their intent. Ben tipped the ball to Luke whose audacious chip forced a save from the Marks No 1. Minutes later Luke brought another good save from the keeper with a shot from 30 yards out. But Marks were also creating chances and soon made it 1-1 with a shot from 20 yards with the bounce deceiving keeper, Max Ostapchuk.
The next goal would be crucial. The game was open. Both teams went for it. Celtic broke. Luke, now in centre mid, fed Caitlin Labobt. Caitlin cut in from the right and delayed his pass until the last second forcing the keeper to commit before placing the ball into the path of Andre Ungareanu, who having made a great run, tapped in from four yards out. 1-2. Marks were shaken and soon it was 1-3 and this time Andre was the provider with an exquisite ball that found Esse who did the rest and fired home. In truth it was game over and although Marks scored in the last minute nothing could dampen the celebrations. PROMOTION!!!!
Marks were sporting and congratulated Celtic. The Celtic Boys were thrilled but promotion was not earned today. It was earned with 13 hard working performances by all the squad. Boys you have worked hard and you have got the rewards that your efforts deserved. Your Parents, Coaches and Club are proud of you. Be proud of yourselves. Well done and enjoy the feeling.
