“ Reilly brace earns deserved draw for Young Celts”
Castleknock came from two goals down on two occasions to earn a deserved draw against a brave St Francis at Belcamp. Celtic arrived at Belcamp with only 7 players following the withdrawal with illness of two players and a third away on international duty with his parents.
Despite the player shortages it was Celtic who started the brighter with Leigh Reilly, John Kane and Keith O’ Donoghue showing well up front. The St Francis goalie was in good form making 3 good saves on the trot. Despite this Castleknock nearly took the lead when Reilly came close with a glancing header from a great corner by O’ Donoghue.
In the middle of the defence Mark Hughes was looking cool and accomplished at all times winning all around him which was allowing the full backs Sean Mc Clean and Alex San Emeterio to go forward. San Emeterio in particular was enjoying great space on the left. A goal was inevitable but against all the odds it went to St Francis. A long ball from the St Francis defence was chased by their centre forward and out came Lloyd Turner in goal who won the ball cleanly and fairly before the St Francis forward fell over Turner. To both teams amazement a penalty was awarded and the St Francis No 7 converted well. Despite the set back Castleknock continued to attack but the St Francis goalie remained in top form . HT 0-1
Concerned about fatigue due to the player shortage and on a pitch where the grass had clearly not been cut in over a month the Coaches made a number of positional changes with Keith O’ Donoghue replacing Turner in goal and Mark Hughes moving into midfield. Despite early Castleknock pressure it was St Francis who scored again. In their first attack of the second half their excellent No 7 ran at the Castleknock defence who backed off allowing the St Francis player to hit a good shot into the right hand corner. Having gained a two goal advantage St Francis looked for a third but Lloyd Turner, Mc Clean and San Emeterio were looking strong. Castleknock fought their way back into the game mid way through the half after San Emeterio played a lovely ball into Hughes who skipped by the full back only to be taken down by the defender. The game was stopped for 2 minutes before Hughes rose to his feet to strike home a wonderful free kick over the wall into the top corner from an acute angle about 3 yards outside the box and about 4 yards from the end of the pitch. Great celebrations took place but they were short lived as Castleknock lost concentration and an unfortunate deflection saw St Francis take a 3-1 lead. It was nearly 4-1 shortly after but for some brave goalkeeping by O’Donoghue who was injured making a save.
With minutes remaining the Castleknock support were resigned to a brave defeat but they had not reckoned on the courage of this little team. From the left wing San Emeterio played the ball to Hughes who cut in and passed to Reilly. Reilly was 20 yards out and there appeared to be no danger until he let loose a thunderous right foot shot into the top hand corner off the bar. The goal was no more than Reilly deserved as he had worked tirelessly all day.
Castleknock searched for a third and were rewarded for their efforts with a goal similar to the second. This time John Kane was the provider for Reilly who from 15 yard out hit another delightful right foot shot just over the unfortunate St Francis keeper. Cue wild celebrations as Castleknock gained a well earned draw. Even the Referee at the end said that justice had been served as Castleknock had deserved at least a draw.
Another great team performance as the Magnificent 7 showed a steely determination and heart to match their undoubted ability. The look of exhaustion on the players faces was only matched by the big smiles. Well done Boys.
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