Castleknock Celtic U10A Crowned Champions
Fantastic Double Achievement
Baldoyle Utd 1
Castleknock Celtic 3
Tues. 30th May
2006
After weeks
of waiting for their final league match, the rain finally
ceased to allo
w
Celtic the opportunity of achieving that illusive double.
The scene was set for an exciting finale. Perfect weather
conditions were spoilt by the very significant grass growth
that has prevailed over the last few weeks. Having lost just
once all season, Celtic found themselves needing 1 point
from their last match to beat Home Farm to the title. The
tension had built to enormous levels given the delays in
completing the league and Celtic looked nervous from the
start. (Not helped by the absence of their stalwart
defender, Eoghan O’Donnchú,
through
illness)
After 5
minutes Celtic got off to a flying start. A powerful shot by
Philip Fitzpatrick
took a wicked deflection to leave the Baldoyle keeper
stranded. 0-1.
Celtic took control of the 1st half with some
excellent attacking play. A corner swung in by
Fitzpatrick
was controlled instantly by Ryan
Moore Kearney,
who unleashed a neat volley that just cleared the bar. The
pressure continued, this time another sweet shot from
Fitzpatrick
saw the ball hit the inside of the side netting and somehow
bounce out. The referee judged that it had hit the post.
Another attack finished with G
avin
Boyne,
this time shaving the other post. Doubt crept in. Was this
not going to be our night? Nearing the end of the 1st
half Baldoyle grew in confidence and started creating
chances. Tom Fogarty
and Patrick Rocca
stood firm cutting out all attempts on goal. Just before
half-time a Baldoyle player saw a stunning shot tipped over
the crossbar by keeper, Ritchie
Delaney.
After the
break it was all Baldoyle. Fogarty
headed clear ball after ball with great composure and style.
A scramble in the box saw a loose ball fall to 2 Baldoyle
players but somehow Rocca
managed to throw himself in to block shots from both players
in the one tackle. The ball squirmed agonisingly wide past
the post. Baldoyle were then awarded a soft free kick just
outside the box and it was superbly planted in the top
corner leaving Delaney
with no chance. 1-1.
Nervous times !
Celtic were
reduced to attacking on the break with
Dan Ring
in midfield, seeking out the runs of the speedy
Kyle Turner, who
saw his two shots just go over the bar. The smart midfield
play of Ring
was catching out Baldoyle and putting them on the back foot
once more. Nice work from Philip
Fitzpatrick
saw Boyne
run through on goal, his thunderbolt crashed into the
Baldoyle keepers face and rebounded back into his path to
slide home. 1-2.
After a short
stoppage, the Baldoyle keeper was able to continue. Baldoyle,
admira
bly
fought back. Moore Kearney
was re-introduced to keep their defenders busy and
Turner
slotted in beside Fogarty
in defence. The last ten minutes saw wave upon wave of
attack but they could not get past the impressive
Fogarty,
ably assisted by the lighting speed of
Turner.
Ring
dug deep in midfield to help out his defence, chasing down
players and putting in some fine tackles.
Fitzpatrick’s
strength on the ball was frustrating Baldoyle and led to
some helpful free kicks to relieve the pressure. Celtic
began to control the game again. Some skilful touches from
Moore Kearney
saw the tireless Boyne
run clear leaving two bemused Baldoyle players in his wake.
His finish was clinical, slotting the ball into the far
corner as the keeper tried to close down his angle.1-3.
The
imposing presence of Rocca
was
re-introduced
in right
midfield to complete the shut out and lead the team home to
victory.
This group of
players have an abundance of skill and talent. Their
dedication, hard work and fantastic team spirit created this
huge achievement in winning the double.
Congratulations to all.
Congratulations also to the reporter, who composed this
brilliant report, which the webmaster greatly appreciates.
Champions At
Last, but it was worth the wait.