- HOME
- HISTORY
- LOCATION
- RESULTS
- FIXTURES
- CONTACTS
- CLUB NEWS
- GALLERY
- CONTACT US
- MINI-WORLD CUP
- PLAN YOUR SPORTS SESSION
- CELTIC FC PARTNERSHIP
- COACHING CORNER
- HONOURS
- YOUNG PEOPLE'S HEALTH IN MIND
- GARDA VETTING FORM
- JUNIORS INSURANCE COVER SUMMARY
- CODES OF PRACTICE & CONDUCT UPDATED JAN 2018
- ARCHIVE MEMORIES
- CONSTITUTION 2017
- FAI SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY
Marks’ edge close encounter against brave Celtic”
And so we’re back!!!! After an interesting summer of league changes we finally got back to playing ball. Castleknock who had enjoyed an unbeaten U14 2019 had deservedly earned promotion to the BIG BOY MAJOR league however an up and down pre-season meant it was an uncertain Celtic that took to their pitch on a sunny September morning against a St Marks outfit who are one of the favourites for honours this season.
Once the game kicked off any nerves the Celts may have had disappeared as they went toe to toe with the Marks boys . The early exchanges were share but with 15 minutes on the clock St Marks took the lead – a run down the right and a lovely cross was met with a deadly right foot finish into the net 0-1. The goal buoyed the visitors up while it seemed to zap the home team of energy. Marks began to dominate and while Celtic continued to work they just could not get their passing going. The Celtic defence were being kept busy but Arnas Birbalas and Jaden Adekolu look inspired as they kept Marks at bay. Credit to Celtic as they weathered the storm and got themselves back into the game. With half time approaching a Luke Hughes hopeful shot finding it’s way into the net. A little fortuitous as the Celtic boys celebrated as the half time whistle blew. HT: 1-1
Just as marks goal had lifted them Celtic’s goal did likewise as it was they who started the half stronger. The Wide Boys Messrs Turner (Kian) and Dunne (Sam) were dominating while in centre mid Ryan Sherlock was playing his Captains part with great work rate and crunching tackles. Celtic were creating the better chances - Sherlock and Hughes both had shots just edge by with the keeper thanks to the fine work on both occasions by Harry Reilly while Adam Flynn’s on target freekick from 20 yards was deflected over. James Browne, now up front, was asking all the questions of the Marks defence but despite Celtic enjoying more territorial advantage they could not break down the well marshalled Marks defence. As in the first half the team under pressure weathered the storm and with 15 minutes left the game was turned on his head. Celtic conceded a corner just as two of their players went down with injury. Arnass was dazed (and subsequently came off) while Jaden hurt his knee. Clearly the disruption saw Celtic lose focus and from the corner the unchallenged ball came off a Castleknock head into the net. 1-2. With the goal the tempo was upped by both teams. Celtic went for it and while the game was played in Marks half the away team gave a very professional performance as they saw the game out. FT: 1-2.
For the neutral this was a really good game. Well done to Marks they are a good team with no noticeable weaknesses and perhaps their first half performance may just have merited a narrow win. For Celtic there was disappointment but also plenty of positives. The Boys competed from the first to the last minute showing great character and with a bit of luck may have got a share of the spoils. From the Coaches perspective they will have seen areas that can be improved with the passing in the final third not quite what it should be but equally they will have been proud of the team performance and the work ethic shown. The Boys showed great character and can be proud of their efforts. It will be a long (and hopefully enjoyable) season and nothing is won or lost on Day 1.