19/1/03  Brenfer North Dublin League

U-14 League

14As get the New Year off to a winning start in Mullingar

A 10 o’clock kick-off in Gainstown, Mullingar, meant an early start for Castleknock Celtic's U-14A team for their away League match in Westmeath.

One had to be impressed with the very fine Clubhouse and Pitches in Gainstown and the home team were equally impressive in the opening minutes when their star player Ross Sweeney took advantage of a lack of communication in the Castleknock defence to give Mullingar an early lead.

 This early goal by the Midlanders gave Castleknock the type of “wake-up-call” they needed and for the following 20 minutes the quality of their play right throughout the field was most impressive.  Terry McAuley, who was dominating the game up-front, went on a scorching run down the left wing, and despite being closely marked, sent the perfect cross into the path of the in-rushing Jonathan Quinn, who gave the Mullingar keeper no chance for a super goal. Castleknock continued to dominate but failed to convert a few chances before they took the lead just before half-time when a Danny Sweeney corner broke to Thomas Nolan who rifled home.

Early in the 2^nd half a fine move involving a half-dozen Castleknock players was finished in style by Jonathan with a left footed strike from 25 yards.  Mid-way through the second half, Thomas Nolan, who was enjoying his finest hour (and should have bagged 4 !!) struck for his 2^nd and Castleknock’s 4^th.

However, Mullingar refused to throw in the towel and pulled one back with a great strike from Ross Sweeney which the Castleknock Keeper Alan Murphy got a hand to failed to keep out.

It ended 4-2 to Castleknock and more importantly it was a team performance where “attitude” was evident throughout.