NDSL U-12s put Swords Celtic to the sword: 2-0

Castleknock Celtic’s under 12’s ground out a result against fellow Fingalians, Swords Celtic, in a thrilling 2 – 0 encounter on a cold blustery morning.

Castleknock Celtic played host to Swords Celtic in the teams’ first competitive outing of the New Year. Castleknock started with a resolute defence which has stood them in good stead during their unbeaten run that began in late October 2011. This winning combination has been putting opponents to the sword in recent games and this encounter was no exception with Luke Toland (goalkeeper) having to make only one save in the first-half, while his stalwart defence of Callan D’Arcy (captain), Gary Brennan, Lorenzo Chiciu and Max Stratiy were rock solid. Castleknock’s midfield cousins pairing of Sean and Rhys Hogan assisted by Hugh Caffrey and Ruairi McGonigle had the greater possession in the first-half despite it being a 0-0 scoreline at half-time. The two forwards, Aaron Hogan and Sean McCormack had plenty of chances deflected away from goal by a plucky Swords defence who for long spells had looked like they would remain intact.

At half-time Max Stratiy took up goal keeping duties and Luke Toland went into midfield with Vlad Skyrpa and Sean Hogan moving into defence in place of Lorenzo Chiciu. This tactical change paid dividends as Castleknock pushed on in the second half and scored their first goal 5 minutes after the break from a set piece off – a beautifully floated corner kick from the right by Gary Brennan. A number of other opportunities were not capitalised on, including a superb free kick from thirty yards taken by Lorenzo Chiciu which cannoned back off the crossbar into play, only for it to be hit just left of the goal by Aaron Hogan.

Swords had threatened during the second half to snatch an unlikely equaliser which would have given them a valuable share of the points.  Castleknock stood firm and with substitute Salman Shakeel making some neat passes through the Swords’ defence on the counter, it was no surprise that the game was put beyond doubt with 8 minutes to go. A long clearance by the Castleknock defence was seized on by their defender Sean McCormack who had raced forward. He unleashed an unstoppable shot that gave the visitors’ keeper no chance.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable game which enabled the spectators forget the bitterly cold conditions. It keeps Castleknock on course for a tilt at the league title over the remaining months of the campaign. match action