NDSL 10B edge it v local rivals, St Mochtas: 3-2

In the second round of this derby match, both teams were keen to impress as the local rivalry was still alive and well, following their 1-1 draw, two weeks ago.

On this crisp November morning, the venue was St. Mochta’s pitch and both teams were keen to dominate from the outset. During the first five minutes, both teams impressed with quality football and were evenly matched. Then the Castleknock mid-field of Josh Mulligan and Matthew Elliot began to take control. Matthew Elliot made some great forward runs from mid-field, linking up with Matthew Smith who caused a lot of trouble for the St Mochta’s defence.

After ten minutes, Castleknock were awarded a corner which was taken by Josh Mulligan. He sent a superb ball across the mouth of the goal and left the St Mochta’s defence reeling. They only managed to half – clear the ball. The ball was intercepted by Colm Ayres who kept his nerve, moved forward and claimed an impressive goal from outside the box. Three minutes before half time, against the run of play, St. Mochta’s equalised with a well placed goal.

Castleknock applied immense pressure right from the start of the second half. Six minutes into the second half, Josh Mulligan was on fire again as he intercepted the ball and skilfully threaded it to Matthew Smith. Matthew, now known for his famous solo runs, did not disappoint as he set out from the half way line, outpacing the St. Mochta’s defence. With a cracking strike in the bottom left corner, he claimed a second well deserved goal for Castleknock.

Credit must be given to the Castleknock defenders, Aran Long, Ryan Fitzmaurice and Anu Lawal who worked tirelessly to keep St. Mochta’s scoreless in the second half. Their fitness and determination certainly paid off on this occasion. Once again, Celtic’s captain Matthew Roberts was outstanding in goal. Man of the Match was Josh Mulligan who had a fantastic game, assisting both goals. Congratulations to this Castleknock side who have beaten St Mochta’s 3-2 on aggregate over the two games, in this nail biting local derby.