Castleknock Celtic  7    Rush Athletic  2   

NDSL 11 Premier League

Sun 2nd  April 06

On a wind and rain lashed pitch in Porterstown, Castleknock and Rush served up a pulsating game in most inclement conditions. The weather played a significant part in determining how the game went. 

In the first half, Castleknock had most of the play, despite playing against the driving wind.  It was only the heroics of the Rush keeper that kept the home side at bay.  They remained locked in stalemate until Brian Slevin took his opportunist goal to edge the home side ahead.  But Rush bounced back immediately, and were only kept out by 2 excellent stops by Celtic keeper, Matthew Dunn.  However, on the stroke of half time, Rush were rewarded for their efforts with a breakaway equaliser.

The second half saw a transformed Castleknock team come out onto the park.  Gareth (Juninho) Elliott was now playing a pivotal role having come on as a replacement.  He was instrumental in setting up Brian Slevin for 3 goals with defence-splitting passes. 

Rush's heads understandably started to drop, though their keeper continued to valiantly keep the score down, with a string of fine saves.

Castleknock's beautiful passing game opened up the Rush defence again in quick succession.  Conor Byrne's beautiful left foot gave the Rush keeper no chance, while the pace of Sean Ryan on the left wing left the Rush defence in his wake as he scored a cracking individual goal.

The game ended with Castleknock's top scorer of the last two seasons, Brian Slevin, added his fifth.  This was Brian's third time this season to bag five in a game, and has now notched up 50 this term.

Man of the match award was shared between Gareth Elliott for his consummate midfield performance, and Sean Hanney, for his strong and robust display in the middle of the defence.

Castleknock Celtic will be representing Ireland in the Bavaria Cup in Munich over the Easter, so watch out for dispatches from Southern Germany in the coming weeks. So while Robbie Keane and Damien Duff may not be there this year, Castleknock Celtic will keep the flag flying over there in Germany.

CASTLEKNOCK SQUAD:  M.DUNN, C.CONWAY(CAPT) S.HANNY, G.HANNIFIN, C.NEVILLE, G.OHARA, B.SLEVIN, C.BYRNE, K.WARREN, G.OBRIEN, D.KELLY.

SUBS P.DUNN. S.RYAN. K.MURPHY and G.ELLIOT.

Rush Under Siege