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Lucan edge game but Celtic win hearts with heroic effort
After a great run in terms of performances Castleknock came unstuck in spectacular fashion as they were out thought, out fought and out played by a spirited Mount Merrion last week. So what better way to get over it than to hear the news that you are playing in a mouth watering SFAI tie against local rivals Lucan Utd from the Major. SFAI Cup matches are special occasions. A chance to mix it with the big boys. Whatever would happen this would be a great experience for the lads and it was a chirpy Celtic team that made their way to Lucan on an overcast and windy Autumn morning.
Having started brightly Castleknock took an early lead when Esse Okirokpo powered home from 10 yards out. 0-1. Lucan were knocked back and Celtic sought to capitalise. James Browne was everywhere and with Catalin La Bont pulling the strings up front with clever touches to release Esse and Abdullah Boujerdha Celtic were creating the openings albeit Lucan’s defence limited Celtic to long range efforts. Corners were conceded and while Luke Hughes’ deliveries were of exhibition quality it was the Lucan defence who were clearing their lines. As the half wore on Lucan upped their game and it was Celtic who were back pedalling. At the back the defensive trio of Ryan Sherlock, Denys Yaskersky and Ryan Mc Gregor were rocks as they repelled the Lucan attack time and time again. With 5 minutes of the half remaining Conor Simmonds who had been dangerous every time he got the ball collapsed with an injury and had to come off. As the team re-adjusted Lucan broke swiftly, their left wing curled in a teaser that unfortunately for Celtic came off the defender and into the net. HT: 1-1
All the Coach asked for at half time was “More of the same”. However it was Lucan who started the half better. Possession was being conceded too easy and the midfield was being overrun. Hughes was lacking the legs and came off shortly after with a leg injury. Evan Mc Grath went centre back, “Maccer” went holding mid and Ben moved up. Credit to the Boys as they eased their way into the game. However just as Celtic had got a foothold back in the game James went down heavily following a 50/50. Another injury and you know it’s bad when JB has to come off. Lucan capitalised and with just over 7 minutes to go went 2-1 up. Perhaps Celtic could have closed the ball down quicker but credit to the Lucan striker for his tidy finish giving Max Ostapchuk no chance. Time was running out. JB came over and said “Put me on”. Two minutes left and the injured duo, JB and Luke, both went on as Celtic made one last roll of the dice . Catalin was fouled. Luke delivered the perfect cross where JB rose high and powered the ball past the keeper but, despite the roars of goal, it shaved the far post and with it the whistle. FT: 2-1.
A defeat Yes and in truth Lucan just shaved it but one had to have sympathy for the Celtic lads. What a performance, what an effort from the Bakers Dozen. Three players injured and were still just edged out by a Major team says it all. There was good news all over the pitch – Catalin is back in form, “Maccer” played in three positions and looked comfortable in all three, Denys and Ryan were once again impressive, Ben played the holding role like an old pro and JB summed it up, injured, back on and nearly scores goal of the season. As I say it was a defeat but today we got a performance to be proud of from the lads. Well done lads. Proud of you.