Castleknock Celtic 1 AC Pro Sesto 0
Click for photo gallery, and below for team photo
The climax of a trip that will live forever in the memory of the players and spectators of Castleknock Celtic was the plate final of the Como Lake Cup in Italy. In the final the under 12s from Castleknock overcame an Italian side, AC Pro Sesto, by one goal to nil.
The Italian’s were technically very strong, their passing and movement was a joy to watch. However the determination of the Castleknock side along with no small measure of skill made for a very equal and interesting match.
Castleknock came in the game without their star centre half, Stephen Kenna, who was stretchered off in the previous match after a very late challenge. Stand in centre half, Shane Dunne played his best match for Celtic and never gave the strong Italian centre forward a chance all match.
The Irish team were quickly out of the blocks and good work by speedy wingers Ian McSherry and John McGivern created chances for skilful striker Luc Cautley. But it was a good move on the right and a great through ball from Adam Noonan that set up a great chance for Kevin Flanagan, but his shot was just inches past the left hand post. AC Pro Sesto upped their game and their pressure won them a dubious free kick just outside the box. Their tall midfielder hit a thunderous shot towards the top left corner which had goal written all over it. But goalkeeper Adam Weafer came to the rescue and made the best save of his young life to palm the ball over the bar.
The Italians continued to pile on the pressure but Paul Daly marshalled his defence, Shane Dunne, the ever reliable Robert Kavanagh and the strong Eoghan Bradshaw, with confidence and spirit. Pro Seta made one more chance before half time when their winger broke through and looked to be one on one with goalkeeper. However Eoghan Bradshaw sprinted 30 metres to make a magnificent sliding tackle to remove the danger.
Urged on by fanatical support from their travelling supporters and the Cambridge United girl’s squad, Castleknock took control of the game after the break. The superbly talented duo of Sean Hoare and Captain Kevin Flanagan in midfield started to dictate the pace of the game. The introduction of Stephen Treadwell caused the Italian defence all sorts of problems with his speed and strength. Other good performances in the second half came from the solid Colin Collins and the tricky Sean Conroy.
The breakthrough came for the Irish team with two minutes remaining. Sean Hoare won the ball in the centre circle and sent Stephen Treadwell away down the inside left position. He played a lovely defence splitting ball, which Luc Cautley ran on to and delicately flicked over the advancing keeper.
With time up it should have been all over, but the Italian referee played 5 minutes injury time. In the last of these minutes AC Pro Seta nearly found an equaliser but Adam Weafer came to the rescue again with a brilliant double save.
Captain Kevin Flanagan commented, “This was a really brilliant trip, we loved the football and had a great time between the matches as well. We learnt a lot from all the teams we played, with their first touch and their passing. Seeing Ronaldo and Kaka in the San Serio was deadly”.
So Castleknock bring home the Martini Cup, but more importantly, a bag full of great memories and friendships that will last forever.
