U-11D Brenfer North Dublin League
19/1/03
Swords Celtic 1 Castleknock Celtic 3
Castleknock Too Hot to Handle
Castleknock started brightly in this opening fixture of the new year in the 11D league, and had numerous attacks before Tom Mooney opened the scoring after 15 minutes with a cracker to the roof of the net from just outside the box after good work by Johnny Cooper.
With Graham Walsh and Marty Waters lording it in the middle of the park, Castleknock continued to dominate, but were unable to add to their tally before the break.
Within minutes of the re-start, Swords looked like they would make the visitors pay for their first half profligacy. An attack down the right resulted in their centre forward lofting a shot over keeper Paul Stanley. 1-1.
But Castleknock hit back within five minutes. Craig McGivern sent the ball up the right wing, where it was collected by James Collins, who crossed to that man again, Tom Mooney just inside the box. He rifled home. 2-1.
After 20 minutes, the points were secured when Paul McGrath finished off a move started in defence with a Kevin Miller clearance to Cormac Digney. Ross McCarthy took it on from there, to set up Paul.
For the final ten minutes, Castleknock had their backs to the wall, defending against wave after wave of Swords attacks. But central defenders, Colm Lyons and Michael Kennelly were up to the task. Well done to the visitors who have got the new year off to a bright and winning start.