NDSL PREMIER LEAGUE

U-13 Premier

Castleknock Celtic 2 Artane/Beaumount 1

As they say “all good things come to those who wait”; and Celtic’s Manager got to start his first 11, for the first time this season!!

This, as had been predicted, was a bad tempered affair.

Celtic came of age in the restraint stakes and manfully stood their ground, within the rules of the game; with the Referee putting in a great performance booking 5 Artane players, and their Manager!

Celtic was resolute at the back with Byrne solid again in his new role as sweeper, and Conway and Neville assisting in a new back 3.

Zak Harold played a 30 yard pass down the left for Artur Stark to blitz the wing and cross for Eoin O’Brien to dive and score 1-0.

Artane’s keeper was in fine form making 3 stunning saves in succession to deny Stark/Slevin/O’Brien what looked certain goals. Celtic again went close when Slevin rounded the keeper only to see his shot rebound off the post.

It was all Celtic when Stark rose high from a corner to head powerfully in for number 2!

Celtic continued to dominate and the Artane mood became more cynical as the game went on. Celtic lost Murray/Eoin O’Brien/Harold, all to viscious tackles.

The second period was never ending and was in its 45th minute! of a 35 minute half when Artane struck. 2-1.

Celtic looked like they would throw away another great win when a defensive error let Artane in 1-v-1 on the keeper to shoot and see Kevin ‘Joey’ Murphy, make a stunning save. Game over Celtic victorious. 2-1.