Arnie's Army Take the Points against Belgrove - 1 Sept 02

Castleknock Celtic  3    Belgrove  1

On a beautiful morning in Laurel Lodge, Celtic's U-16B team got their new season underway with a fine win.  It was a finely balanced match.  Celtic drew first blood after 17 minutes when a pin point corner from Stephen Carpenter, who was a thorn in Belgrove's side all morning, was met superbly by Ian Flood, who headed straight to the Belgrove net.  But the visitors struck back after 35 minutes when Mark Whelan was well positioned to  send the loose ball to the Celtic net.

The sides remained level until halfway into the second half, when a fine passage of passes was finished with aplomb by Simon Fleming.  Within two minutes Simon struck again with another fine strike.  Both sides deserve credit for serving up an entertaining competitive game. 

Worthy of particular mention are Celtic defender Stephen McKell, and the versatile Norman Ross.  Norman was switched to full back in the second half and showed many fine touches, initiating many incisive moves.  Steve Carpo Carpenter was this reporter's man of the match.