U-11C North Dublin League

Sun 30th Nov. 03

Marino Boys  1    Castleknock Celtic 1

Honours even in top of the table clash

After the downpours of the previous morning, it was a great surprise that Marino could host this game, but their pitch in Marino Park, beside Fairview, withstood the elements exceptionally well. The all-clear came through on Sunday morning at 9am from Marino's Eugene Morris, and Tony Hanlon, Celtic's team manager, had his troops on their way instantly.

The game was played in fine November sunshine.  The first half was an even affair, and the 0-0 scoreline at half time was a fair reflection of the game to that point.

Marino however were the first to strike.  They went ahead after 5 minutes of the second half.  Eoin Morris passed to Graham Giblin, who shot his side into the lead.  Celtic pressed hard, and were rewarded 15 minutes into the half, when midfield dynamo, Sean Hanlon, split the defence with a precision pass to prolific striker, Paul McGrath, who hit home into the bottom left hand corner of the net from 10 metres.

Celtic dominated, and only for heroic goalkeeping by Marino keeper, Thomas Hunter, they would be sitting alone on top of the league table.  The Celtic management team are still scratching their heads as to how they did not win this game.

Man-of-the-match for Marino was a toss up between keeper Thomas Hunter and Ciaran Dalton.  For Celtic, Conor Mooney was the reporter's selection for his never-say-die approach, as he virtually ran himself into the ground.  As usual, Ian Martin was reliable as ever at the back, and Ryan Hickey made a vital interception as Marino threatened to take the three points.  Celtic keeper, Glen Doyle was steady as a rock, and had no chance of stopping the Marino goal.

Tony Hanlon remarked after the game that he still does not understand how they did not win by a couple of goals!  But both sides will be happy that they did not lose out.  This result leaves them both sharing top spot in the 11C league.