U-14 SFAI Cup 4th Round

Sun 23rd Nov. 03

Castleknock Celtic  3   Monaghan Utd  1

A glorious late November morning in Porterstown in West Dublin.  Monaghan Utd are renowned in the North-East league and were given a fine welcome with customary Castleknock hospitality.

But the visitors did not reciprocate on the field of play.  They started like the proverbial train and it was a great surprise that they did not take an early lead.  They were very slick in their passing and movement.  But Celtic gave warnings of their potential although under great pressure during the first quarter of the game.  Philip Carroll broke on the right for the home side and was unlucky not to score, but the Monaghan keeper, Garret Traynor, took off one of a number of fine saves.

On 25 minutes, Nathan Clarke created from the middle of the park, passed out to the industrious David Hunt, who sent a well time pass back to Nathan, who flicked cleverly inside with his heel.  He then unleashed an unstoppable shot into the bottom corner.  1-0 Celtic.

Celtic were coming on strong now.  On 28 minutes, Fizz Phil Carroll was again tormenting United and he shot home from close range but was adjudged to have handled.  But on 30 minutes, Fizz sent in a well placed corner, which was beautifully met on the volley by Stephen Dervin, who hit the back of the net with a perfect strike.  And on 32 minutes, Stephen again was on hand to break free and rifle home from 20 metres.  This is a lethal attack when they are on song.

Half-time  3-0 to Celtic.

But Monaghan came out fighting in the second half.  However, again they got little result for their efforts.  And it was Celtic who went very close after 42 minutes when Steve Dervin was denied by Garret Traynor in the United goal.  Ten minutes later, Darragh Ryan was on hand to cut off a threatening United attack by his excellent sweeping, always the trademark of an alert full back.

But the Celtic defence could do little to stop Keith Hill, the United striker, when he shot home from close range.  3-1.  Shortly afterwards, Robert Hoare in the Celtic goal took off a superb save to maintain the home side's advantage.  

Man of the match was the Monaghan all-rounder, William Carr.  Spare a thought for Stephen Darcy who was carried off injured for Celtic.  We wish him the best of luck and that he will be back for next week's match.  Colly and Phil O'Sullivan were on hand to help him from the field.

Congratulations to both sides for serving up a fine match, which was very much enjoyed by the appreciative Porterstown spectators.