Local derby ends with Celtic moving into next round of U-15s SFAI Cup

Castleknock Celtic  2   St Mochtas  1

This was not a pretty advert for schoolboy football.  Celtic had won in the league between the same sides a couple of weeks ago, and maybe it was too soon for them to meet again, after two Mochtas players had been dismissed on that occasion.

There was little between them in the first half.  A free kick after 10 minutes was converted by John Moriarty, which was balanced out by Elmer Abramovic's well struck shot just before half-time.  1-1.

The second half was set alight after 12 minutes, when Philip Cooney, looking a shade offside, raced into a challenge on the Mochtas' keeper, Donal Hickey, who got injured in the tackle.  For once he was unable to hold onto the shot.  The ball spilled into the path of Des Molloy, who rifled home from 12 metres.  Mochtas were incensed, but their protests fell on deaf ears. 2-1.  Hickey was in action soon after when he saved brilliantly at full stretch from John Moriarty, who moved into the striker's role for a spell.

Mochtas were having their own near misses.  Jimmy Mullarney was unlucky on 35 minutes when his shot was well stopped by Alan Murphy.  Declan Murray also went close, but he received his marching orders soon after for a second bookable offence.

It was a struggle for either side to play football, given the stop-start nature of the game, with the referee involved too much, taking a lot of verbals in the process.  But Celtic's defence deserve credit, having been breached only the once.  The full backs, Eoin Smith and Daniel Walsh, central defenders Colly Lyons and John Moriarty (until he moved up front), all performed well, with Daniel making many header clearances.

There were some nasty incidents, including Matthew O'Gorman, Celtic's midfielder, who ended up in hospital from studs on his ankle.  He has damaged ligaments and has to stay off his ankle for a fortnight.  All his team-mates wish him a speedy return to the team.

At the final whistle all hell broke loose with St Mochtas protesting vigorously at ref and opposition.  Celtic were insisting that next time they meet, they will want league officials to oversee the game.  It just got too nasty.