North Dublin Schools League

NDSL U-12E

30 March 2008

     Swords Manor  2   Castleknock Celtic  4

This was a crucial game for the 12E’s. Swords were second in the table with two games in hand to Castleknock’s third place one point behind. Winner of this match could decide runners up in the league, or league title! 

Both sides were equally matched and the first 15 minutes was nervous stuff as each side tested the other. However on 18 minutes Graham Chan for Castleknock scored from six meters after a well placed free kick by Ntinga Mtiko. Swords came back strongly and scored 5 minutes later from a free kick, which seemed to fly through the six-metre box jumbled with players to sneak in at the far corner. The 12E’s were not put off and fought back. On 26 minutes Darragh Caffrey was pulled down as he went through to give Castleknock a penalty. Amir Kasaspovic coolly placed his penalty shot in the top right hand corner. On half time the score was 2-1. 

The second half proved to be equally hard fought and Swords were dogged in their attempt to get an equaliser.  The Swords work paid off on 37 minutes when they scored on a follow through after Jack Jennings in goal for Castleknock had blocked the first shot. Again Castleknock raised their game and Niall O’Callaghan forced the Swords keeper into his best save of the afternoon to dive and push the ball onto the bar.  Castleknock then had what looked like a penalty denied with Tom Byrne pulled back in the penalty area as he looked likely to score. Both goalmouths saw plenty of action and the Castleknock defence led by Paul Burke ably supported by Ntinga Mtiko, Jack Ryan and Declan King held firm.  On 48 minutes Castle knock’s Aaron Connolly added to his seasons goal tally after some good build up from midfield.  Castleknock were now motoring and after some of their best passing of the game from midfield through to the 18 metre line Niall O’Callaghan’s powerful shot smashed in to the top of the net to put the game beyond doubt. 

This was an excellent team performance by the 12E’s and a well deserved win which brings them into second place with five games to play yet.   

Squad.  Jack Jennings, Aaron Connolly, Paul Burke, Adam McCabe, Stephen Byrne, Thomas Byrne, Jack Ryan, Ntinga Mtiko, Declan King, Ciarán Byrne, Darragh Caffrey, Amir Kasaspovic, Paul Garvey, Graham Chan, Niall O'Callaghan