Castleknock Celtic 0    Cherry Orchard  4

Under 11 Premier

25 March 07 

11Premier exited the SFAI national cup quarter final in very dignified style against Cherry Orchard.  They battled valiantly throughout, but when you are faced with an extraordinary individual, with exceptional pace and power, it is a big ask.  And this is the way it was as Celtic took on the Orchard midfielder/striker, Kelvin Jackson, who possesses unusual power for an 11 year old, and so we wondered. 

Despite this disadvantage, and having gone down 1-0 after 5 mins, Celtic could have scored a couple themselves during a spell of strong pressure, when Ryan Moore and Gavin Boyne were unlucky with their efforts. 

The Orchard's first on 5 mins came when Jackson seized on the ball and raced through to strike past Richie Delaney in the Celtic goal. Despite looking well in contention, Celtic went 2 down on 20 mins, when again K Jackson broke through on the left hand side and hit the back of the net.  The second half saw a repeat when K Jackson raced into the box and shot to the far post, where the rebound was slotted home. 3-0 to the Orchard. 

Celtic were giving it their best shot, battling for every ball, but the game was virtually over when they conceded the fourth.  And the wonder is that all four goals were either scored by, or involved Jackson!  It is all very strange, and we continued to wonder.  But one thing is for sure, this U-11 Premier side went out with their heads held high.  They are rightly very proud of their achievement, and there is still plenty to play for this season, and we can be sure they will continue to give of their best whenever they compete.  Well done boys, Castleknock Celtic are very proud of each and every one of you.