9/10/11: NDSL U-15C are overcome by Northway Rangers

Castleknock Celtic (with only 12 players available) played against a gusting wind for the 1st half.  For the initial 20 minutes, Northway/Mellows created numerous chances.  However, strong defending by the Castleknock Celtic back four (James, Shane, Donavan & Eoghan) and many outstanding saves by goalkeeper Alex, limited Northway/Mellows to just 2 goals during this period.  As the 1st half continued to progress, the Castleknock Celtic midfield formation (Jack, Daniel, Ian & Conor) began to exert a level of control  and created opportunities for forwards Karl & Nermin. Unfortunately, several offside decisions prevented any real goal scoring opportunities.

With Castleknock Celtic playing with the wind in the 2nd half and trailing by only 2 goals, there was great optimism that Castleknock Celtic could turn this game around. With a minor team change (Sean substituted for Ian), Castleknock Celtic started the 2nd half with great belief. A long ball forward from goalkeeper Alex (carried with wind) allowed Karl to outrun the Northway/Mellows defenders and score for Castleknock Celtic. Northway/ Mellows suddenly felt vulnerable to the long ball and with the score now at 2-1, the opposition team were clearly rattled.

However, the critical turning point in this game was the introduction of a new player (#8) by Northway/Mellows, 10 minutes into the 2nd half. Within minutes, this new player left his foot in when Castleknock Celtic goalkeeper Alex had dived bravely to smother the ball. The game was stopped for several minutes to allow treatment to Alex who was in great pain (his hand clearly marked with studs despite wearing gloves). After bravely playing on for a few more minutes, Alex had to leave the pitch and was substituted by Jack. This Northway/Mellows #8 player then proceeded to score 4 goals in rapid succession before being hastily substituted by his Manager with 10 minutes remaining. The final score was 6-1.

At the final whistle, when it was pointed out to the Northway/Mellows Manager that their #8 player had effectively won the game on his own, he commented that the player had already gone home ….. a classic impact substitution!

Despite a flattering 6-1 result in favour of Northway/Mellows, this was a tremendous team performance by Castleknock Celtic U15C and each of the players should be proud of having put in such an honest effort.