- OUR PARTNERS
It was a case of SFAI Cup Fever as 3 of Celtic’s teams played host in the 2015 Cup. First up we’re Castleknock’s U12’s who welcomed Greystones Utd. This would be a tough task as Greystones were riding high in the Major Division 3 leagues ahead of the Celtic Boys. Either way this was a day to savour and the Coaches instructions were simple “Give 100% and enjoy the occasion”.
With both teams looking to play passing football it was Greystones who started the better as they pushed Celtic back forcing a rear guard defensive action. Having weathered the early storm Celtic conceded a soft goal. The ball was played across the Celtic goal and following a failed clearance the Greystones gratefully took the opportunity to punish Celtic with a neat finish. 0-1. Not long after it was 0-2 and this time confusion in the Celtic defence led to a tap in for the Greystones player. To their credit Celtic battled their way back into the game and with Luke Hughes and Caitlin La Bont working tirelessly in the middle of the park it was they who looked the more likely as the half closed out. HT: 0-2
Celtic knew they needed a goal and they duly went in search. Chances came. Caitlin saw a shot go wide. Minutes later Esse Okirikpo saw his shot saved by the keeper onto the bar before the rebound fell to Caitlin whose goal bound shot struck the arm of a Greystones player but no penalty. Greystones were breaking well but Messrs Sherlock, Forde and Mc Gregor coped well and when the defence was breached “Mad Max” Ostapchuk was there to do the necessary. Back came Celtic with Esse firing over from 10 yards out. The tie was settled with 10 minutes left when Greystones broke from midfield to carve out a goal that was finished in style by their in form striker. 0-3. Celtic battled but with the clock against them Greystones saw out the game. FT: 0-3.
Well done to Greystones – a nice footballing team who deserved the win. For Celtic this was an opportunity missed. On the negative side it was disappointing to see them concede the goals they did. Early on there was a little bit of fear but as the game wore on they showed their character and quality with some fine play. Losing to a Major team is no disgrace and at times Celtic showed that they are capable of playing at this level. The Boys are coming on great and in the long run todays result will actually help them in terms of learning and understanding what they need to do. Today was an adventure but fear not many more exciting adventures lie ahead for the “Dirty Dozen”. Enjoy the weekend
