NDSL 10B League

23 Feb 08

Castleknock Celtic  2    Ballymun Utd  2 

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We were all delighted that we made the trip up to Porterstown for this game. It was a grey February morning with a cool wind, but it did not put these 2 game teams off their stride.  They went at it hammer and tongs from the off, to give us a morning to remember.

It was United who made the breakthrough first. A defensive lapse left Ballymun's man of the match, Kieran O'Donnell in to slot home from close range.  They doubled their advantage 5 minutes before the break following the award of a free kick just outside the box. It was the ice-man again, Kieran McDonnell, who stepped up and hit a beauty into the top right hand corner, which gave the home keeper, Sean Linnane no chance. United were very much on top at this stage, with Celtic finding it very difficult to handle the fast and skilful visitors' midfield, especially Carl Keady and Nathan Lawler. Meantime the United defence was being marshalled by the colossus himself, Jake Fannin, (some will  remember the orignal Colossus, Ron Yeats), in the centre of the defence, playing a captain's role despite picking up injuries. Ryan Smith was playing superbly in goal where he was deputising in the absence of the regular keeper. Half-time 2-0 to Ballymun.  

There was some nervousness on the Celtic line as the second half started, as the wind seemed to favour Ballymun, who were already 2 goals to the good. But Feargal Black and Pat Tobin had given them a real pep talk during the break, and the team responded. They each started to shine. Sean Linnane was dealing superbly with everything that was thrown at him. Neal Brady was a gem at left full back, and his brilliant header off the line at the saved the day and ensured that his team got their just reward at the end. He was deservedly given Celtic's man of the match nomination for his skilful and committed performance - a talent indeed. Colm Black showed great commitment throughout, as he roamed all over the pitch wherever the action was. Ciaran Horgan was a rock, along with Ken Murphy, neither of whom was taking prisoners. 10 minutes into the second half saw Celtic make their breakthrough. They had threatened as United tired, with their numbers depleted and Kieran McDonnell having to take a break from the action. Like United's first, it was a defensive lapse that let in Ryan Bowgarri, which left just a single goal separating the sides. Celtic were on a roll. They were passing well, demonstrating great skills, the benefits of their coaching bearing fruit. David Kadojic and Darragh Meehan were influencing the middle of the park, with Adam Kelly and the skilful Ciara Brady proving a handful for their opponents. Mustafa Saed was making many decisive interventions, setting up many attacks.Celtic got their equaliser to set up a fabulous last 10 minutes. Celtic looked certain to score when the ball was headed goalward, but was scrambled away. Kieran McDonnell came back on and looked a huge threat. His shot on goal was just deflected over the bar. Kieran was denied again by Neal Brady as the defender headed over what looked a certain goal.

But as the ref blew his final whistle, there was great applause for all the players who had given us marvellous entertainment.

Squads.  Celtic: Sean Linnane, Neil Brady, Colm Black, Ciaran Horgan, Ken Murphy, David Kadojic, Mustafa Saed, Ryan Bowgarri, Darragh Meehan, Ciara Brady, Adam Kelly. Manager Feargal Black

Ballymun Utd: Ryan Smith, Garry Farrell, Shaun Daly, Arran Christina, Jake Fannin, Nathan Lawler, Carl Kelly, Kieran McDonnell.