Rock Celtic  0    Castleknock Celtic 2

Under 11 Premier

SFAI Menton Seery National Cup

9th Dec 06 

"Celtic go nationwide after this victory away in Blackrock, Co Louth"

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Castleknock set off on this 85 kilometre trek to play their 4th round Menton Seery National Cup match in Blackrock, beside Dundalk, to face high flyers Rock Celtic.  It was a brilliantly sunny, though bitterly cold, Saturday morning close to the East coast. They had not been seriously examined this far in the national competition, notching up one of the highest scoring rates this season. Today, however, the test was much more severe.

Despite the fact that Rock Celtic are leading their Dundalk League, their reputation did not affect Castleknock Celtic's start, which is not surprising as the visitors had already notched up around 25 goals in this competition. The visitors were quickly out of the blocks, and in fairness had they had their shooting boots on, they could have had a comfortable advantage at half-time. They had, however, Gavin Boyne's strike to thank for their 1-0 lead at half-time. Gavin crafted out an individual effort, as the Rock defence stood off, which is a big mistake when the Castleknock talisman is in the danger zone. His shot just evaded the efforts of the Rock keeper, who managed to get a finger to it, but could not prevent the goal.  The Rock keeper performed well throughout the game and probably kept the visitors' tally to 2-0.

Boyne was again in the thick of it on 20 mins when he set up Ryan Kearney Moore, who was just wide of the target.  Ryan was again involved 4 mins later, when he raced forward to slip the ball past the Rock keeper who had came out of his box, but the cross was well intercepted by the defending centre half. A minute later, it was 'knock's left winger, Daniel Bell's turn to send his shot wide off the foot of the right hand post.

Meantime, the Castleknock defence were proving a tough nut to crack. Captain Patrick Rocca was commanding in the air, making innumerable defensive headers both at the back and in the middle of the park. Beside him was Conor Stephenson, who moved back in the absence of Tom Fogarty.  Conor proved to be very polished in his new role, and between him and Patrick, with Kyle Turner his usual industrious self, there was little getting by to threaten Richard Delaney, who didn't put a foot wrong for the game. Eoin O'Donnchu was as ever biting at the heels of the Rock players, giving yet another committed performance.  It was Ryan Moore who had the last effort of the first half, when he hit the foot of the post with his side-footed effort after he had shredded the defence with his weaving skills. 1-0 to Castleknock half-time.

Rock Celtic came out with much firmer purpose in the second half, and perhaps the visitors to some degree took their foot off the pedal. Stephenson was again called on to intercept a threatening attack. Klevin Keyneska was also required to make a decisive defensive tackle. Gavin Boyne helped to relieve the pressure on the Castleknock goal when he broke forward, but was narrowly wide with his shot.

The decisive second goal for Castleknock came 2 mins after noon, just after the mid-way point of the second half. Though they had been under pressure much more than in the first period, the Dublin 15 side showed how lethal they are when they break forward. Intricate passing led to Daniel Bell tormenting the full back and crossing deep to the far post, where Daniel Ring controlled and hit a sizzling shot into the top left hand corner off the underside of the crossbar - a real peach of a goal.

Rock were far from down and out. They fought like terriers for the rest of the half. They were unlucky to miss an open goal chance soon after going down 2-0.  Meantime Ryan Moore sent his shot just over the crossbar after outwitting the Rock centre half.  Rock again went close on a couple of occasions, bringing young Delaney into action at the near post where he collected confidently.  Daniel Bell was sent clear 8 mins from time, but his shot was wide after he showed how skilful he is with his close touches.

In the dying minutes, Rock were unlucky not to get a consolation, but Delaney raced from his line to do enough to put the striker off his stride and prevent the goal.

The final memorable piece was the brilliant surging run by Dave Costelloe, who won the ball raced forward, but was dispossessed. He however showed the battling qualities that are evident in this team, when he raced back and retrieved the ball from the Rock midfielder. He then proceeded to send an inch perfect cross to his team-mate, who was unlucky not to finish off a fine move.

It should be noted that this was very much a team effort, with every man Jack playing his part.  Declan Heavey, who stood in for Dave Fogarty who was abroad, was very pleased with the commitment of his squad. They all showed amazing commitment for ones so young, which must augur well for their prospects in this very prestigious competition. But while this was a step-up for them today, there will be stiffer tests ahead as they enter the final 32, having now to face the best in the country.