Castleknock Celtic  1  Swords Celtic  1

"Ground lost by Castleknock in title race"

NDSL 14Premier

15 February 2009

Both Celtics made their first appearance of the 09 season after a 5 week break due to the snow and bad weather, with both teams finding it difficult to find any sort of rhythm. The home side, Castleknock Celtic, dominated the early exchanges with John Roe playing a strong role up front going close. Meanwhile, strike partner Slevin crossed to see an acrobatic bicycle kick go just wide. Castleknock were dominating the middle of the park as Swords played a 4-5-1 formation looking for a draw. Sean Hanney headed just wide for the home side, while his team-mate Brian Slevin shaved the post with a snap shot.  

The visitors were getting no change from James Boyle who was very strong at the back with Colm Neville forming an impenetrable line at the back for Castleknock. Celtic had a real shout for a penalty as Slevin was taken down by two men in the box, having been put through with the deftest of  chips from Mo Mahady, but the ref waved play on.  0-0 at the break.  

The second half saw the introduction of Wale, Conor Byrne and Dermott Murray, but the game was more of the same, until electric Wale got possession, beat 3 men down the left wing, and crossed beating the diving Swords keeper for “sniffer” Slevin to thunder in his 30th goal of the campaign. The game was fizzling out when Swords were awarded a free kick.  The resultant free seemed to be going nowhere until it floated  into the goal for an unlikely equaliser.  1-1 final score, which does neither team any favours in their pursuit of the league title.