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Southside Thriller as Celtic's second half display sees them home against brave Mount Merrion
Castleknock travelled to Mount Merrion wearing the tag as favourites for this game. Castleknock in third versus bottom team Mount Merrion. On paper this should be an away win but if Celtic needed any warning all they had to do was look at Liverpool this season who had the best record against the Top 6 teams but the worst amongst the bottom 6. Also Castleknock knew how good this Mount Merrion team are having claimed a fortuitous victory in a pre-season friendly but it had been Merrion who had dominated the game and could have been out of sight before Celtic scored. So, with the form book out the window we all waited in anticipation for kick off.
Castleknock got off to a flyer and within 5 minutes were one up. Luke Hughes’ freekick brought a diving save from the Merrion keeper but Ryan “Big Mac” Mc Gregor was on hand to power home the rebound. 0-1. However rather than push on it was Merrion who came back with their right winger and striker looking dangerous on the break. The Southside team drew level following a controversial penalty decision. What was even more controversial after the penalty went over the bar was the decision by the Referee to order a re-take having adjudged a Celtic player had entered the box. The re-taken penalty was saved brilliantly by “Mad Max” Ostaphchuk only for it to fall to a Merrion player who slotted home. 1-1. To their credit Celtic re-grouped and took the lead when Abdullah Boujerdha released the “Esse Express” who powered home. 1-2. With the last play of the half Merrion equalised. A quick break down the right where the Mount Merrion winger was creating mayhem saw the ball squared to the Striker who finished well. HT: 2-2.
The early exchanges of the second half were even but Celtic were riled when Caitlin La Bont was floored by the centre back in front of the Referee who gave nothing save to subsequently book a Celtic player for commenting to his team mates “ we will get nothing from this Ref”. The players were incensed and their play was ragged. Following a break for an injury a strong call play from the line - “Play your football, let the ref do his job”. James calmed the troops, Celtic re-grouped and with Tara O’ Hanlon and Andre Ungareanu probing the wings chances came. With 20 minutes to go JB fed Esse who made it 2-3. This time Celtic would not stand down. JB went on a run and won a corner. Tara curled in a teaser where James came charging in at the far post to volley home.2-4 and breathing room. Not according to Mount Merrion who were far from done. Ben Forde was like a rock with “Big Mac” sweeping up when needed. Still Celtic were thankful to Max for two excellent saves the second a dive and finger tip save around the post. At the other end the Merrion stopper made two great saves from Caitlin and Esse before Max again made another stop. End to end and the next score would be crucial. Celtic broke down the right with a 4 v 3 advantage. The ball was crossed but touched away to the left wing. Abdullah was there. Without thought he did the only thing he could. He swung his left peg with power and purpose to drill the ball into the net. What’s that I hear you say “Abdullah is totally right footed”. Not now folks. A screamer and with it the points secured. With seconds remaining Caitlin got in on the act. Pressurising and dispossessing the Merrion centre back he toe poked the ball past the advancing keeper to put a flattering look on the scoreline. FT: 2-6
So the form book was right or so the scoreline tells us but that does not tell the real story as this was a close game. Celtics second half performance saw them deservedly run out victorious but given the chances in this game probably a 9-7 scoreline may have been more accurate as the players of both teams served up a Bank holiday weekend treat as both sets of supporters “oohed and aahed” for literally the whole game. The goalkeepers of both teams were probably the respective teams Players of the Match which tells you something about the way this game was played. Well done to both teams and Celtic will be well pleased to return home with the points