NDSL 10Premier: Celtic held by Maynooth. 1-1

“Maynooth weather Castleknock storm to share points”

On a cold and windy November morning Castleknock and Maynooth renewed their rivalry, built up over 6 matches in the past 12 months, at Rathcoffey Road to provide another enthralling game that was enjoyed by both sets of supporters.

Castleknock, who were looking to both continue their recent winning run and avenge their last defeat against Maynooth, started the game at a pace winning a corner in the first minute. The Celts were keen to take advantage of a strong wind in the first half and were dominant in midfield where John Kane and Leigh Reilly were dictating play and looking release to Lloyd Turner up front at every opportunity. In the opening quarter Castleknock won 6 corners but were unable to get the final touches to some great crosses. The deadlock was nearly broken by a Reilly freekick from the left that went just over the bar. Within minutes however Castleknock took the lead – Alex San Emeterio released Reilly on the left who waltzed down the wing and played a lovely ball through to young Turner who showed a predatory instinct to score from 3 yards out. Castleknock continued to dominant the play and Maynooth had no answer to the threat on both wings where both full backs, San Emeterio and Mikey Rogers were also getting forward on a regular basis. Despite this period of dominance Castleknock could not increase their lead. HT 1-0.

Facing a strong wind in the second half one feared a 1-0 lead would be difficult to maintain and from the off Maynooth resorted to a long ball game as they searched for an equaliser.  The Celts to their credit continued to play the more attractive football but were unfortunate to concede a goal when following a long ball through, the Maynooth No 9 finished in style. Despite this set back it was Castleknock who upped their game and Mark Hughes, who was his usual calm self, exemplified the spirit of the team. Hughes was winning every 50/50 ball and was spreading the play out wide to Sean Mc Clean and Dylan Mc Donagh who were enjoying the freedom of the pitch.  John Kane, was showing the spectators why he’s called “Twinkle Toes” as he repeatedly waltzed by defenders with his close dribbling skills and created chances for Reilly, San Emeterio and Keith O’ Donoghue up front.  Mc Donagh also saw a well stuck shot from the left drift right of the right hand post.  Despite creating most of the chances Castleknock were always vulnerable to the long ball and Messrs Hughes, Mc Clean and Mc Donagh had to be on their toes.  On the rare occasion that the Maynooth attack did break through Lloyd Turner, in goal, was in top form as evidence by a couple of fine saves.

With time running out, the Castleknock striker, Keith O ‘Donoghue, who was finding an extra gear against a tiring Maynooth defence came close on two occasions the latter after showing good control when beating two defenders.

At the final whistle, Maynooth celebrated wildly as they knew they had weathered the storm that was Castleknock. The Castleknock boys were clearly disappointed at not securing the victory but they should be very proud of their performance as they played the better football is less than idyllic conditions. This result means that both teams qualify for the next section of the Cup and on the evidence of this game both teams will be difficult to beat.

Castleknock have a break now until the New Year where new challenges await. These challenges will see games against high quality opposition so the Boys will have some close season training before enjoying a well earned Christmas break. Well done Boys.