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On a wet and windy afternoon Castleknock welcomed old foes and local neighbours Leixlip for a lunchtime KO. These teams had produced two great encounters last season that gave us 11 goals with only one goal over the 2 games separating these teams.
Leixlip arrived without four of their regulars and played with a defensive line up making it difficult for Celtic to break them down. Celtic were playing some lovely neat football but were not using the width which played into Leixlip's hands as their well organised defence quelled every attack. As the half wore on, Celtic started to vary their play but still it would take something special to break the deadlock and special was what we got. Andrei Ungareanu received the ball 30 yards out and with a stunning left foot into the roof of the net gave Celtic a deserved lead. 1-0. The goal relaxed Celtic and chances came in quick succession – Luke Hughes, Esse Okirikpo and Abdullah all had chances before Ben Forde hit a lovely free kick that touched the cross bar. HT: 1-0
At half time Celtic’s Coach urged his team to use the width more in an attempt to draw out the Leixlip defence. The plan worked as Esse Okirikpo was being allowed the space to probe. Caitlin La Bont and Abdullah came close but try as they did Celtic could not get the two goal cushion. As they weathered the storm, Leixlip's confidence grew and served notice of their own ability, when following a swift break, they forced a great save from Max “the Cat” Ostapchuk. Minutes later Leixlip again broke down the left and this time their midfielder finished in style 1-1. Against the run of play maybe but a deserved goal for the hardworking Leixlip team.
15 minutes left and the fear was that Celtic were running out of steam. Leixlip were more in the game and some strong defending by the Celtic trio of Denis Yaskersky, Ben Forde and Ryan Mc Gregor was needed with Conor Simmonds also doubling up as a defender with some fine defensive work. Still Celtic remained patient and the patience paid off when Hughes squared to the prolific Esse who powered home from 6 yards out. 2-1. Minutes later Esse secured the points with another tidy finish following good work by Caitlin. 3-1. As the game entered the final minutes Leixlip thought they had pulled a goal back. A weak pass had put Ryan Sherlock under pressure and the youngster who had just returned from holidays saw the ball nipped from him and then over the advancing Max. It was 3-2, but no it wasn’t as Sherlock, showing a never give up attitude, raced back to make a dramatic goal saving clearance off the line to a huge cheer from the Celtic supporters. FT: 3-1
Another victory for Celtic but a hard earned one. This may not have been Celtic’s best performance but the Coach will have been happy that the Boys stuck to their task, kept trying to do the right thing and got a win they fully deserved. As for Leixlip, all credit to them. Missing 4 players including their keeper they played with tremendous spirit and at 1-1 it was anyone's game.
Many more challenges lie ahead for Celtic but if they keep working as hard as they are right now then they can look forward with great confidence to the adventures that will come their way. Well done lads.
