Nutgrove Celtic  1    Castleknock Celtic 4

AUL Div3 Sun

19th Oct 08

The Division 3 Sunday side maintained their 100% season start with an impressive 4-1 away win over previously unbeaten Nutgrove Celtic. The day started badly when some of the Castleknock players got lost on the journey to Rathfarnham and Celtic had to start with 10 men. The game was only underway when the lost souls turned up and  Aaron McAdam went on to bring the team to full strength.  

Castleknock played the 1st half with a very strong and blustery wind at their backs which made control of the ball and the measuring of passes very difficult. Although Celtic gave a good account of themselves, Nutgrove threatened regularly and were rewarded when a cross into the Castleknock penalty area was met first time by a Nutgrove forward and blasted into the Castleknock net. DEspite the wind, Celtic were still in the game and were unlucky when a free kick from Vinnie Corry smacked the upright and went wide. 

The 2nd half started with Celtic 1 down. The management team had advised the team to keep the ball on the ground where the wind would have less effect and the team went about this is a very competent manner, The high quality football they could not play in the first half was very evident in the 2nd and Castleknock gradually took control of the game. Their efforts were rewarded in the 57th minute when Cian Kennedy brought the sides level with a well placed lob. Nutgrove were still dangerous but Castleknock defenders were up to the task and kept them at bay. Castleknock continued to press and took the lead in the 71st minute courtesy of another good strike by Chris Hoey. 2-1 to Castleknock. 

Castleknock were now clearly the more composed, fitter & skilful side and it was only a matter of time before the 3rd went in from the increasingly prolific foot of Eoin O'Shea.  Nutgrove faded increasingly while Castleknock looked more comfortable with each passing minute. In the 85th minute O'Shea put the result beyond any doubt with another well taken goal to bring his personal tally to 7 from 5 game. The final whistle signalled an end to a very competent display from Castleknock, particularly given the poor conditions.  

Final score: Nutgrove Celtic 1 - 4 Castleknock Celtic 

Team: Thomas McElroy, Alex Sherwood, Fran Brown, Vinnie Corry, Conor Whelan, Cian Kennedy, Aaron McAdam, Karl Dunbar, Ray Kelly, Mark McLoughlin, Chris Hoey. 

Subs:  Eoin O'Shea (on for McLoughlin) Stephen Boyle (On for Dunbar)