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Late Late Nathan show secures points in tense encounter with Knocklyon 1-0
The games are coming thick and fast in the U15 Premier league. Jose Mourinho would be having a fit with all the games that are being played. This week the Celts travelled to Knocklyon which is never an easy place to get a result and tonight would be no different.
Celtic started in explosive fashion. Dylan Mc Donagh had been recalled to the starting line up and was keen to show he was back to his best as he raided down the left. Chances came thick and fast. Leigh Reilly headed over twice following crosses from Mc Donagh’s trusty left foot and minutes later Reilly was unlucky not to break the deadlock when his goal-bound shot deflected off the defender on to the post and back into the Knocklyon keeper's hands. Still Celtic pushed with Sean Blood creating mayhem as the youngster brought repeated fouls from the Knocklyon defence. Celtic thought they had broken the deadlock when following an attack down the right Reilly struck a sweet shot that brought what can only be described as a world class save from the Knocklyon No 1. Despite defending for most of the half Knocklyon could have taken the lead. A ball was swept in from the left which forced Tommy Bowe to punch clear. The clearance fell to the Knocklyon midfielder who seeing Bowe off his line hit a first time shot on target only for Sean Daly who had read the situation clear the ball off the line. HT: 0-0
The second half start mirrored the first. All Castleknock . Chances came but again more smart saves from the Knocklyon stopper as he denied Blood and Reilly on three occasions. As the half wore on Celtic tired and it was Knocklyon who pushed forward. Celtic were forced to defend deeply and twice Celtic keeper Bowe was forced into making two brave saves. With less than 10 minutes left on the clock Celtic re-introduced in-form attacker Nathan O’ Reilly who earlier in the game had looked bereft of energy. Struggling for fitness yes but not talent and the youngster was keen to get back into the action. Celtic upped their game once again and pushed for a winner. Reilly again came close. With 2 minutes left on the clock Celtic quelled a Knocklyon attack. Nathan released Leigh out left. It was 2 v 1. Leigh squared to Sean Blood who was just on side. He turned the defender and we all expected Sean to shoot, including the Knocklyon keeper who was already setting up, but no – he had heard the call from Nathan and touched the ball onto his team mate. First time, the keeper was finally beaten and into the net. 0-1. There was no time for Knocklyon to recover and Celtic saw the game out. FT: 0-1
A deserved three points for Celtic as it was they who dominated possession. However it was heartbreaking for Knocklyon who having weathered all Celtic could throw at them had carried the stronger threat going into the last quarter. Well done to the Knocklyon keeper and Captain for a wonderful Man of the Match display. On that note a special mention for Celtic keeper, Tommy Bowe, who not only had a good game but showed remarkable bravery in going for 40/60 ball where if he had not made it Knocklyon would have surely scored.
A nail biting game and a welcome three points for Celtic. Next up is Leixlip in the Cup followed by an away clash with table toppers and runaway leaders Malahide Utd on Tuesday. Busy days ahead but when you’re competing in the mix as Celtic are, it’s great to have these games. Perhaps ‘ol Jose should remember that!!!! And so say all of us.