Under 9A League Play-off

 for

Ag Renyolds Cup

 Castleknock Celtic 3     Swords Rovers 2

The Under-10A team had a fine win to capture the Ag Reynolds Cup, coming back from 2 goals down with six minutes left remaining, to win with the last kick of the ball. 

The match started very badly for the Castleknock youngsters, captained and inspired by Paul Daly.  The occasion seemed to get to them, and they conceded two goals in the first quarter against a strong and fast Swords Rovers team. They were probably lucky to be only two down as a couple of great tackles from Ian McSharry and Sean Hanney kept out certain goals. Luckily the break came and the team regrouped and from then on dominated the game with a strong showing from goalkeeper Adam Weafer and the tough tackling defence of Mark Conroy, Sean Hanney and Shane Dunne. The midfield began to dominate with skilful passing and strong running. The interplay between Sean Hoare, Ian McSharry, Roddy Collins, Kevin Flanagan and Paul Daly was a joy to behold as they pushed Swords back on the defensive. For the second and third quarters, they pushed forward seeking a breakthrough goal. Star forwards Eoghan Bradshaw and Gavin Boyne were foiled on a number of occasions by good defence and goalkeeping.  

At the start of the fourth quarter the boys were told that if you get one you'll get three. However it was still looking poor with about six minutes to go. Then came the decisive move of the match. Adam Weafer found Roddy Collins with some space in midfield. He beat a player and as he moved forward, he gave a fantastic defence splitting pass to Gavin Boyne. Gavin still had their big centre half to beat. He pushed the ball past him and shot from the edge of the box right into he top corner of the net. A fantastic goal.  

This lifted the team and they surged forward. With a minute to go Shane Dunne passed to Kevin Flanagan free on the left wing. He cut inside and hit a hard, high shot that the keeper could only parry into the net. They were level now and heading into injury time with the tension growing. More great work in defence by Mark Conroy as he gave the ball to the superb Sean Hoare in midfield. His through ball found Gavin Boyne in a tussle with the centre half again. And again Gavin won the ball, rounded the centre half and calmly slotted the ball to the bottom corner of the net. 

The scenes of jubilation were incredible. It took the referee five minutes to restore order to officially whistle for the end of the match. 

It was a well deserved victory for Castleknock who merited a trophy for their excellent season. They play brilliant football, good ball skills, flowing moves, dribbling and wonderful shooting.  In all matches during the year, they scored an incredible 124 goals. 

Commiserations to Swords Rovers who were well served by their goalkeeper, centre half and a midlieder of exception quality.