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Castleknock boss a 1-1 game.
It was the last game before the Christmas break for Castleknock Celtic under 10G and they were determined to finish on a high note. Gideon Durojaiye was captain for the day and he led the team into a pre match huddle. Effort, passing and helping teammates was the message, although Richard Ugo could not help doing Bunny Ears on the other players with his slick black leather gloves on. Odd Job from James Bond would have been proud of them gloves…... So the 8 players got set up for what was to be a very entertaining game. Gideon was the net minder, Richard Ugo and Jesse Okpetu lined up in defense, Dylan Coyne, Owen Boyle, Neil Kirtane in midfield and Ross Kennedy and Wesley Kupa sharing attacking duties. I was a lightening quick start by Ballymun and they caught the Castleknock defense napping, their impressive number 8 scoring after 60 seconds.
Jesse Okpetu, injured trying to make a last ditch tackle had to come off and a reshuffle of the pack needed with Neil Kirtane slotting into defense with ease. Castleknock had some corners to defend and did excellently, breaking on the counter attack and putting the Ballymun defense under pressure. On a couple of break away occasions Castleknock could not find the right pass to finish a move, but it did not stop their effort. Jesse bravely came back into defense and from that point on it all clicked into place. Jesse, Dylan and Owen began to dominate the play and it was Ballymun on the back foot for the rest of the match. Gideon passed the ball out from goal, Dylan Coyne picked up the ball in midfield and ran at the Ballymun defense. A quick pass to Wesley Kupa on the left and it found its way back to Dylan Coyne who kept his run going. With some good control and a quick step inside the Ballymun Number 5 he unleashed a powerful shot on goal. No chance for the keeper and a deserved equaliser at 1-1. Castleknock kept pressing and won close to 10 corners in the first half, but they could not take their chances.
The second half followed the same pattern with Castleknock on the attack. This time Richard Ogu was in goal and his proud dad was confident he would keep a clean sheet in the second half. Richard must have heard as nothing was going to get by him. Any time Ballymun did attack Jesse Okpetu was in the right position, winning the ball and then setting up attack after attack. True to his word, Gideon Durojaiye was full of energy. Ross Kennedy was again strong in the tackle, getting bruises on his hand from a stray Ballymun boot, but he bravely battled on. Wesley Kupa and Owen Boyle were moving the Ballymun defense all over the pitch with strong running. This created space for Gideon Durojaiye to run into and he hit a pile driver of a shot but it was straight at the keeper. Dylan Coyne, from a wonderful Owen Boyle pass, set himself for another goal but his shot hit the last Ballymun defender with the keeper stranded. Neil Kirtane shot narrowly wide and Ross Kennedy was blocked just as he was about to pull the trigger.
The game ended with Castleknock on the attack and finished 1-1. A great match to end the first half of the season. Jesse and Dylan were the two standout players. However the effort from all players was great to see and this team, after a difficult start, finished the league with a Win and a Draw. So fellas, you can tell your mates your team is unbeaten since November. Not even the mighty Man United can say that!!!!!!
p.s. both teams decided to finish with a penalty shoot out. Castleknock won this hands down. Richard Ogu set the scene with a super save low to his left from the first Ballymun peno. Dylan Coyne, Gideon Durojaiye, Neil Kirtane and Owen Boyle on target for Castleknock.
So Happy Christmas all (happy Birthday Wesley) and see you in January.
