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Celtic are “Singin in the Rain” as Kinsealy edged out
After the May heatwave we awoke to a tropical rain storm. Still nothing could dampen the spirits as Cup fever hit Porterstown as Castleknock welcomed Kinsealy Utd for a Hilary Cup tie. Kinsealy play in the Division below but travelled with great confidence boasting 7 wins from 8 outings. They are clearly promotion bound and would be keen to show the home team what they are made of.
Celtic started tentatively and in truth the first quarter was very forgetful. Ironically as the weather dis-improved the match improved. Celtic upped their game and took the lead following a clever ball through from Abdullah Boujerdha that released Catalin La Bont who outpaced the defender before powering home. 1-0. Further chances came, Esse was foiled by a great save by the Kinsealy No 1 before another shot from the Esse Express went just wide. Minutes later Tara O’ Hanlon shot just over following good play from Andre Ungaraenu, James Browne and Esse. But it wasn’t all one way . Kinsealy were on top in midfield and broke with frightening base meaning that the Castleknock defence led strongly by Ben Forde had to be on their toes as the half ran down. HT: 1-0.
One up but the Celtic Coaches knew this game was far from over and this was proven early on as it was Kinsealy who started the brighter and in their first attack of the half scored. From a Celtic goal kick there was no challenge as the Kinsealy midfielder broke down the left wing before squaring the ball to the far post where their striker finished well. 1-1. Kinsealy were lifted and Celtic needed to react. Re-act they did as James and Luke Hughes took responsibility in midfield securing more possession and with it Celtic created more chances. Esse came close before with ten minutes of the half gone the youngster was again involved as he set up Abdullah who powered home. 2-1.
Celtic were on top but with legs tiring this was far from game over. Catalin and Andre were re-introduced for Abdullah and Conor Simmonds who had put in a great shift on the right. Andre was straight into things as he dribbled down the wing before powering a shot just wide. Kinsealy surprisingly changed their keeper who had done well but we soon knew why. Andre went down the right wing again before squaring to Catalin whose point blank shot was smothered by the Kinsealy stopper. Minutes later Esse powered a header towards the bottom corner but the Kinsealy keeper dived full stretch to tip the ball around the post. A magnificent effort from Esse but an even better save. Then the keeper parried a Luke special just over the bar. With only a goal in it Kinsealy were far from down and kept working looking for that chance to draw level. With two minutes left it came. A swift break, a good pass and their striker fired a shot to the right corner. Max Oastaphchuk dived full stretch to parry the ball away only for it fall to the on running Kinsealy midfielder. The youngster struck the ball well but thankfully for Celtic the side netting. As we entered the last minute Andre again raided down the right and despite calls that the ball had gone out of play he squared it across to Esse who was fouled before he could pull the trigger. Up stepped “Big Mac” Mc Gregor who powered the ball home. 3-1 and game over.
Kinsealy were clearly disappointed but should take heart that their display showed they belong at this level. They have some very talented players and pushed Celtic all the way. Castleknock, thanks to a strong second half performance, deserved this win. Not perhaps their best performance but at times some of Celtic’s play in atrocious conditions was excellent. Nothing beats a Cup win and while we may not have had “Samba Soccer” the Boys were “Singin’ in the Rain” at the final whistle. Well done all. Let’s keep it going.