NDSL 14A lose out to strong Kilbarrack side: 1-5

Castleknock Celtic 1 – Kilbarrack 5   match action

Celtic knew the task in front of them when league leaders Kilbarrack came to Porterstown was never going to be easy.  On a perfect morning for football Celtic settled well and contained a physically bigger Kilbarrack. However, goal chances for Celtic were thin on the ground.  Kilbarrack were first to get a shot on target with a point-blank shot from close range which Celtic goalkeeper James Igoe somehow managed to turn over the bar. With 20 minutes of the first half gone, Kilbarrack capitalised on some sloppy defending by Celtic and went 1-0 up.

After the restart, Kilbarrack doubled their lead to make it 2-0 and were now in control.  However a free kick from Celtic captain, Tom Fitzsimons was met by Malachy Tighe who slotted it past the Kilbarrack goalkeeper top narrow the deficit. Game on perhaps?  Following an injury to defender Matthew Mullen (who had done a good job marking Kilbarrack’s best player to that point) Kilbarrack were soon 3 – 1 up.  Two further goals from Kilbarrack (one a questionable penalty) put the game beyond the reach of Celtic.

Celtic won’t come up against much tougher opposition and still have a lot play for this season.  Best for Celtic today was Malachy Tighe – who has now scored in every league game he’s played this season.

Finally, a special word of thanks to the huge numbers who turn out week after week, home or away to support and encourage these young men.