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St Mochta’s FC hosted their local rivals Castleknock Celtic in their fine headquarters on the Porterstown Road. The Saints were down some of their squad, while Celtic had an abundance, with no fewer than 5 on the bench to start. So the respective management teams had different challenges. more match action
Celtic were on the front foot from the start. Thomas Bolton was to be a serious thorn in the Mochta’s side, and he was combining well with Ethan Hoey early on. This combination saw an early breakthrough when Thomas crossed to Ethan who was loitering with intent at the far post before knocking the ball into the net with only 5 minutes on the clock. 1-0 to the visitors. Soon after Gavin Peters went close with his effort that was just wide. Then it was the turn of Michael Kelly and he got his first goal of the season when he hit his shot on the half volley low past the keeper. 2-0.
Mirav Vaitha was having an excellent game in the middle of the park, showing his creative side with his passing to team mates. But it wasn’t all one way traffic, and Mochta’s were threatening the Celtic goal. Daniel Cryan was called on to make a succession of important saves to keep the home side at bay. Patrick O’Reilly entered the fray and he almost scored with his first shot which brought a fine save by the Mochta’s keeper low at the near post. It wasn’t long however before he was finding the net when he blasted his shot past the diving keeper. Edward Nuzum was having an immaculate game, sure-footed and breaking forward with menace. 3-0 at half time.
With a near-full bench, Celtic continued to dominate St Mochta’s who were feeling the pressure of having reduced numbers available for this game. Thomas struck again soon after the break when he raced through to get his second of the game. Patrick’s shot was blocked, while Brearton Murphy was unlucky with his effort. Denis Diac was having a fine debut for Celtic, being very positive and always wanting to find a team mate when he had time on the ball. Anthony Cooke was involved in a lot of the midfield action, linking up with his team mates, and supporting the attack, and he himself went close with a shot on goal. Sam Kelly was covering every blade of grass as he motored from box to box as the game ebbed and flowed. Thomas was showing his skills when he just missed with a bicycle kick on the edge of the Mochta’s box. Halfway through the second period, Celtic went further ahead when Edward Nuzum steamed forward and finished beautifully with his shot past the diving keeper. Mochtas continued to press forward and they were again unlucky not to score. With 7 minutes remaining, Mochta’s eventually got their reward when they broke forward and finished in style. Thomas completed his hat trick and claimed the match ball !!
Well done to both teams who gave 100 per cent from start to finish. It is back to training for Celtic on Monday night in the NAC Abbotstown all weather pitch at 6pm (note time and venue).
