NDSL U-12D

21 Oct 07

Clontarf FC  3    Castleknock Celtic 4 

A very entertaining game, dominated throughout the first half by Celtic. Conor Keith opened the scoring after just four minutes after a beautiful move from midfield.

Celtic missed several opportunities and were very unlucky to lead by only 1 goal at half time.  1-0. 

The second half started briskly with opportunities for both teams spurned. On 36 minutes, following a goalmouth scramble, the ball broke to Patrick Miller on the 18 yard line and he despatched an unstoppable left foot shot to the net. 2-0 

A slip in concentration allowed Clontarf to score their first, against the run of play, with goalkeeper Eoin Fitzpatrick getting a hand to the shot but just failing to turn it around the post.  2-1 

With 15 minutes to go, Celtic conceded a free kick just outside the box for handball. Clontarf scored with a very good shot high into the net. 2-2 

The Celtic lads lifted themselves following this and secured good possession at the back through Michael Fahy, who passed crisply to Iain Coughlan at midfield, then on across the pitch  to Shane Sweeney, to Craig Smyth who shot at goal. The keeper saved deflecting to Ben McDonagh, who coolly shot his team back into the lead. 3-2 

Celtic were once again dominant, and lifted the ball over the top from midfield, where several players were queuing up to score. The all important touch was taken by Cathal Mullen to give Celtic a two goal lead with 3 minutes remaining. 4-2

At the death, Clontarf caught the Celtic defence for speed and scored a third. 4-3 

All-in-all, this was a very well worthwhile and deserved victory to kick-start the league campaign for the Celtic lads. 

Team: Eoin Fitzpatrick, Alan Johnson, Ciaran Coady, Abu Elamin, Dean Murtagh, Shane Sweeney, Conor Keith (1), Cathal Mullen (1), Michael Fahy, Craig Smyth,