Celtic are edged out by Ratoath Harps. 0-1

Castleknock travelled to Ratoath eager to pit their wits against formidable foes, Ratoath, who are at the top echeleons of U 10 football. Following some indifferent weather in the past 48 hours, Castleknock arrived at a pitch that looked like it had just held the National Ploughing Championships. It was amazing that the game was played at all but credit to both teams as they produced a match of top quality with both teams playing their part.

In the first half no quarter was given and none asked as both teams battled to gain the upperhand.  During this period both defences were on top where for Castleknock Mikey Rogers and Lloyd Turner were handling the conditions well. Leigh Reilly on the left and John Kane on the right were causing the Ratoath defence problems with their tricky wing play but due to what were extremely difficult conditions they could not get the final ball through to the ever available Matthew Russell. This game of “nip and tuck” continued until Ratoath broke the dead lock with a well worked move that was finished in style by their No 4. This resulted in a period of sustained pressure from Ratoath but thanks in no small measure to Sean Mc Clean, the Castleknock goalie, the score stayed 1-0.

With the players tiring on the heavy pitch Mark Hughes and Dylan Mc Donagh entered the fray. Fresh legs swung the balance of play Castleknock’s way who finished the half in the ascendancy.

At half time all that the Coaches could do was to congratulate the players on their efforts and request more of the same in the second half.  In the second period Castleknock were enjoying more possession and the full backs Russell and Alex San Emeterio were getting forward at every opportunity. In particular Ratoath appeared to have no answer to San Emeterio who was revelling in the conditions. Despite Castleknock superior  possession and territorial advantage it was Ratoath who were the more dangerous and their swift breaks from defence and one touch football  created many chances. Indeed if not for Mc Clean Castleknock would have fallen further behind.

As the half wore on fresh legs were re-introduced with Leigh Reilly and Mikey Rogers coming back on. As with the earlier substitutions it gave the Celts a lift and they were unlucky not to get back on level terms with the best chances during this period coming from a fine Russell shot 22 yards out that just edged by the post and a fine individual effort by young Hughes who got the better of the central defender before seeing his well struck left foot shot saved by the Ratoath goalkeeper. As the game wore on and with Castleknock pushing for an equaliser Ratoath broke swiftly but once again that man Mc clean was there to save the day. With minutes remaining Dylan Mc Donagh won a free kick and Lloyd Turner’s fine effort from distance just failed to find the net.

And so it ended with Ratoath victorious but football was the real winner as both teams deservedly received a huge ovation from both sets of supporters. Ratoath Harps are an excellent team and their Coaches were gracious in victory as they complimented the Young Celts saying that they were the top team that Ratoath had played this season and that they should be proud of the football they play – there were certainly no arguments from the Celtic support. Another good performance by the Young Celts and while the Boys were disappointed with the result they were rightly proud of their performances. Normally this Reporter refrains from special mentions but in exceptional circumstances it has to be done – Sean Mc Clean take a bow. A wonderful goalkeeping display in horrific conditions and there was no broader smile than that of his Dad, Darren – well done Sean.