“Classy second half performance sees Celtic win in style”
After a slow start to the season, Castleknock finally got back to winning ways with a top class performance against a gallant Dunboyne AFC. Still smarting from last week’s defeat Castleknock were eager to make amends.
On a dull but warm morning in Summerfield and buoyed up by a good crowd Castleknock took the game to Dunboyne from the start. Mikey Rogers was like a man possessed as he chased every ball and was winning his duel with the Dunboyne full back. On the left Lloyd Turner was creating good space and looking to release the lively Sean Mc Clean up front at every opportunity. Turner himself came close with a well struck free kick. Despite conceding possession, Dunboyne were looking dangerous on the break and on more than one occasion the Castleknock defence, marshalled superbly by Keith O’Donoghue needed to be alert. With no breaking through the Castleknock defence, Dunboyne started to resort to shooting from distance and it was the Castleknock goalie, Alex San Emeterio, who was forced into 2 good saves.
Castleknock continued playing their passing football but could not get the breakthrough. Mark Hughes, Leigh Reilly and Dylan Mc Donagh were introduced but ironically within minutes, it was Dunboyne who took the lead. The ball was played out by the Dunboyne defence to the No 7 who played a lovely ball through to the striker who finished with some style. Half time 1-0.
While trailing it was evident that Castleknock were playing well and within minutes of the start of the second half they were level. A long ball was played by Keith O’Donoghue to Leigh Reilly who tried to cut in but was blocked by the Dunboyne defence. He released the ball to Mark Hughes 10 yards out who looked up and coolly placed the ball with pace into the net past the helpless Dunboyne goalkeeper. Great celebrations took place brought on as much by relief as anything else. With confidence visibly growing, Castleknock were soon ahead. A well taken Hughes corner was met bravely by Alex San Emeterio who scored with his left foot from 3 yards out.
With confidence growing as Celtic looked for a third, they were duly rewarded when Leigh Reilly scored with a good right foot shot following good work by young San Emeterio who had cut in from the left to release the unmarked Reilly. Despite continued Castleknock dominance Dunboyne nearly got back into the game and Celtic were saved by some brave goalkeeping by Mikey Rogers who was injured in the process.
The Young Celts were playing their best football of the season and poured forward at every opportunity. Castleknock nearly scored a fourth when Hughes,won the ball against the odds in midfield, released the ball out wide to young John Kane. Kane with still a lot to do, went on to dribble past 2 players before seeing his well struck shot beat the goalie but just outside the far post. On the left wing Matthew Russell, who appeared to be everywhere, was linking well with Dylan Mc Donagh and was unfortunate not to score late on from a well taken free kick. In the final minutes Reilly came close on two occasions , hitting the post with one shot,while Hughes was denied with a brave block by the Dunboyne defender. In the last minute, Russell was unfortunate not to crown his and the team’s performance with a deserved fourth.
Credit to the Young Celts for never betraying their footballing principles despite two recent close defeats and they will now look forward with optimism to the remainder of the group stages in the Cup campaign. A special mention also for Dunboyne AFC who never stopped trying all day and were a credit to their management and supporters. They will trouble many a team in the months ahead.
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