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Honours even in great advertisement for Football
Spring was here!!! The BIG day had arrived. Sat 11th March – an historic day for Irish Schoolboy Football as it marked the opening of the DDSL Summer season. And guess what, being Ireland, it was a dark and wet morning. Still nothing could dampen the spirits of DDSL Players everywhere as they looked forward with a mixture of excitement and nervousness that only the season opening can bring.
On this first day of the season Castleknock made the long trip to Greystones for what would be a baptism of fire as they faced Greystones Utd who had dispatched Celtic with ease following a 3-0 win in the SFAI Cup in the previous September. Of course since this Celtic team have earned promotion with some daring displays and to-day would be a day when we would learn how far Celtic have really come. The scene was set, the trumpets playing………..and off we go with the Referees whistle.
Greystones were on top from the whistle with Celtic lethargic and indecisive. It was therefore no surprise when the home team took the lead with a smashing finish from their striker. 1-0. Celtic were defending deep and with only one up front Celtic were struggling. A change was required – two substitutions and a change in formation did the trick. Catalin and Esse joined forces up front and the chances started coming.
With 15 minutes on the clock Esse deservedly equalised and moments later Celtic were ahead with another well taken goal by the ace marksman. What a transformation, Celtic were on top and it could indeed should have been three as both Catalin and Esse forced excellent saves from the Greystones No 1. However with a minute left of the half Greystones won a free kick just outside the box and their midfield powered home a super drive. HT: 2-2.
At half time the Coaches talk was short and simple “Play like you did in the last quarter”. The players listened as they started the game in explosive fashion – Esse, Catalin, Andre and Conor all had shots only to find the Greystones No 1 in top form. Celtic were camped in the Greystones half and pressure finally told when Esse was brought down in the box. Up stepped James Browne who struck a sweet shot only for the Greystones stopper make another wonderful save. James was distraught but he had no need to be. He took responsibility, took the shot , got it on target and when that happens all you can do is applaud your opposition for the save. Young James was superb today and with every game he gets better and better. Celtic still pushed for the winner but at the other end Greystones were breaking swiftly forcing Max off his line repeatedly. In a match of high quality and chances at both ends it was perhaps only right that the Referee’s whistle brought an end to a pulsating game. FT: 2-2.
Well done to both teams for providing such a spectacle. Greystones edged the first half but I think 20 corners for Celtic and a Man of the Match performance from the Greystones No 1 tells you who enjoyed the better chances. So a rousing start to the season for Celtic and we look forward to many more adventures for this swashbuckling team. Well done lads. Enjoy the weekend (and rest!!!)