Castleknock Celtic 2 Mount Merrion 0
Girls
Under-12s Cup
Semi-Final
26th May 2010
"FABULOUS RESULT FROM A FAB TEAM"
This was an amazing performance
by Celtic's belles.
They
had 2 tough games earlier in the season against Mt
Merrion, so
nobody was under any illusions that it was going to be a
significant ask to make it through to the final. But the management team of Brian
O'Donovan and Tony Hanlon had them well drilled.
They were highly motivated and focused, and blessed with
bags of skill. These attributes were a combination
that could not fail, and so it proved.
Celtic spent the game, from
start to finish, closing down their opponents.
They were tigerish in the tackle, and displayed great
skill in distributing the ball, always a sign of a
well-coached team.
They were quickly out of the
blocks, and within 3 mins, they were in front when Laura
Page was on hand to strike home from close range.
Laura was ably supported up front by player of the
match, Katherine Leahy. Also up front were Ellie
Wilde, Fiona Fitzgerald and Haley Dixon, all playing
their part in putting pressure on the Merrion defence.
The great attacking flair of Celtic got its reward with
a second goal on 15 mins, when Laura Page struck her
second goal, which the ref deemed to have crossed the
line. The reaction of the Merrion players told you
that it was a goal, which is evident in the photos of
the goal where they all have their hands on their heads
in resignation. 2-0 at half time.

Celtic's midfield showed great
tenacity and skill. Dearbhla Monaghan and Emma
Boyle were the anchors in the middle of the park.
Emma had in previous seasons been a leading light on
Celtic's U-10s and U-11s teams, before moving over to
the girls league. Aoibheann Lynch patrolled
the left side of the middle third of the park, while
Ciara Brady put in a 100 per cent performance on the
right side. At the back, Kellie Boyle was
magnificent, and the word 'ubiquitous' is very
appropriate to describe her performance, with great
defending and always willing to support the attacks.
She is also renowned for her Rory deLap throw-ins.
This campaign has been a team effort, with all squad
members being very important to its success. Niamh
O'Donovan, Rebecca Stephens, Leah Byrne, Holly Larkin,
and Sarah Brady who is recovering from a broken leg, all
playing their important roles.
We are confident that this group
of gals can do the biz on Saturday 11am against WFTA in the
Final. Best of luck to you all, including Brian and
Tony, the management team. |