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Last week Celtic returned to league action and treated their fans to a wonderful spectacle as they shared the spoils with table toppers Peamount Utd. And the big games keep coming in this ultra competitive league as this week Celtic welcomed old foes Collinstown. Celtic had done a “smash and grab” earlier this season but having been on the wrong end of the scoreline three times last season the Celtic lads were all too aware of the quality of the opposition. No doubt about it both teams were up for this game and an expectant crowd waited in anticipation.
The game was delayed for 30 mins and Coach Hughes had to depart. His request “ Give a performance to be proud off”. Well the Castleknock lads exploded off the block seeking to rock Collinstown back. The early pressure paid off as Esse Okirikpo finished off following good play by Caitlin La Bont. 1-0 and before Collinstown could settle it was 2-0. Minutes later it was three as Esse completed his hat-trick and still only 10 minutes on the clock. If it were a boxing match the Ref would have stopped it. To their credit Collinstown regrouped and slowly but surely worked their way into the game . Questions were being asked of the Celtic defence but the two Ryans (Sherlock & Mc Gregor) were on hand to answer everything. With Collinstown in the ascendancy Denys Yaskersky entered the fray and his strong tackling was just what Celtic wanted as they sought to re-assert themselves. Still Collinstown probed and only a wonderful save from Max preserved Celtic’s three goal lead. HT: 3-0
At half time Coach O’ Leary demanded that the midfield re-assert control. The next goal would be crucial and both teams knew it. With Ben Forde and James Browne dominating it came Celtic’s way and who else but Esse did the damage. As a contest the game was all but over but again Collinstown kept battling. With legs tiring Celtic introduced Luke Hughes ,back from injury with 6 stiches to show for his troubles, and while he lacked the legs he made up for it in guile as he helped set up the impressive Abdullah Boujerdha who made it five before Caitlin got a deserved goal to make it six. FT: 6-0
A great performance and result for Celtic but spare a thought for Collinstown. They are a far better team than the scoreline suggests and credit must be given to their players and Coaches as they battled from the first to the last minute. Put simply Celtic took their chances. There were many positives to-day. Aside from the goals and display Jonah Courtney continues to look impressive with his deft touches and quick brain making him a great addition to the team. Of course Esse gets the match ball but a special mention to Conor Simmonds who has been impressive of late and to-day put in a sterling shift on the right wing. Coach Hughes had requested a performance and the team delivered but perhaps it should be a case of “stay away David we’re fine without you” as Coach O’ Leary impressed at the helm!!!! Keep it going lads. Roll on next week.