Under 13B DDSL, Very Busy but Successful Week.
The under 13B DDSL, have a tough week, playing 3 games in one week, it started on Monday 27th of April with a home game against Landen United, the two teams lined out in a very windy Jackson park, having had a narrow win away to Landen, the Celts new this would be a tight one, and really it was a game of two halves , with the wind been the victor, with the wind behind them, the Celts took a comfortable lead of 3-1 at half time, however Landen started with purpose in the second half, scoring another 2, however the Celts , were just too strong , running out 5-2 winners in the end.
On then to Saturday 2nd of May , and an away trip to Sacred Heart, again the weather was to play a big part, with the rain lashing down, it look like the Celts were feeling the cold and wet more as they found themselves 2-0 down after 15minutes, however the shape was good , the passing was crisp, and with a ball from defence, into midfield, an on upfront, 3 moves , Goal the Celts are back in it, just before halftime the Celts, scored again, 2-2, Hearts came out fighting and quickly went 3-2 up, but the Celts weren’t getting this wet for nothing and soon made it 3-3, and continued to push forward , however the final whistle beat them, and they settled for a point.
Away again on Monday 4-5-15, and a trip to Cabinteely , on a beautiful sunny bank holiday morning, the game was up and down , but the Celts knowing that a win would move them into 2nd spot in the DDSL league , the shape was good, concentration very good , it was only a matter of time before they got the breakthrough , this came early in the game, and the Celts ran out comfortable winners in the end.
With just 2 games to go, and possible promotion to the A division of the DDSL, things are looking good for this young team, with two new players and a goal keeper already committed to the side for next season, they can only get better, a special word of congratulations to Jack O Reilly who
Scored a hat trick in each of the three games, well done Jack, the under 13 golden boot awaits.
Sacred Heart Vs Wayside Celtic U13 Gerry Murphy Cup 28/04/015
Wayside Celtic's Under 13B Team arrived at Sacred Heart in Killinarden on Saturday morning knowing that 60 minutes of football and a win would see them into the semi final of the Gerry Murphy Cup, it was windy and wet, however after 5 back to back wins in the league confidence was high, the team warmed up and the referee blew for the start, you could see both teams were nervous , and it was an edgy start, after 10 minutes a clean ball through the middle from Sean Clarke put Jack O Reilly in, and O Reilly shot low and hard to the keepers left, GOAL, 1-0 Wayside , maybe this is our day, within 5 Sacred Heart gave Wayside a fright a messy ball that was not cleared was hit to the keepers right GOAL, 1-1,
From then on it was end to end, normal time came and went, and the referee, signalled extra time, you could see everyone was tired, tension was high, but a place in the semi-final was up for grabs, Sacred Heart probably had the best chance to win it just be before the final whistle , but the Ref blew up and pointed for a penalty shootout, by now other teams were waiting to get onto the pitch so a large crowd looked on as the captains tossed a coin to see who would kick first, Wayside won and asked Hearts to kick first, first two penalties were slotted home beautifully by both sides Hearts stepped up , and there third went just passed the post, Sean Clarke and Craig Daly put away Waysides next two, Hearts had to score, the taker took a shot run up and hit it left, Waysides keeper Milo Dollin , got down quick and got his hand to it , stopping the ball on the line , and gathering the ball into his hands , the hearts heads went down, The Celts ran to congratulate there keeper, a place in the semi final secure. What a game!!
Well done to all the boys Sacred Heart and Wayside , what a game of football played with great sportsmanship , and well done Ref.
14/02/15 Wayside Celtic U14A 3-2 Greystones United
The second meeting of these 2 teams this season brought two of the big title contenders head to head as we move into the serious end of the league championship. Neither team could really afford a defeat, and with only 3 losses in total between them after 23 games, this was set up to be a really tense affair.
Greystones kicked off the game, and Wayside immediately showed their intention as they hunted down the ball at pace, giving the Greystones players little time to settle or move the ball around. Wayside were quickly on the offensive and the opposition were struggling to find space to escape their own half.
Clever interplay between Del, Daire and Kevin almost created the first chance of the game, and as the Greystones defence looked to clear, Ben showed the pace that has beaten many players previously to intercept and play the ball across the box, with Greystones lucky that the ball eluded the Wayside attackers.
As they struggled to find a foothold Greystones were forced to repeatedly clear the ball long or from the keeper, and found Sam, Matthew and Ciaran in fine form in the air, winning many headers and keeping the pressure deep in the Greystones half. On the few occasions that Greystones broke free of the stranglehold, they found little space available as Peter, James and Joe kept a tight line at the back, with Sam dropping behind to cover when the defensive line was stretched, and Jordan quickly out to collect any ball that ran free behind the defence.
Having played each other several times in the last 2 seasons, Wayside were well drilled on the likely game plan for the opposition, and were set up to ensure that their most likely attacking outlet was well managed. It was testament to the Wayside team discipline that the plan was executed to perfection.
As the half wore on it was looking more likely that Wayside would be the team to break the deadlock, but Greystones were very combative in the challenges, and were winning corner kicks on occasion, which Wayside defended well. The game was fiercely contested by both teams, and it was good to see the Wayside team able to compete physically as well as with their football abilities.
The physical nature of the game became more evident as time passed, as the Wayside coach was called onto the pitch 4 times in short succession, with Ben being welcomed back to the team with 2 heavy challenges to the chest, one leaving stud marks across his chest bone, and a nose bleed also to really ensure that he looked like a man that had been to battle. A thunderous game would not be complete without a bloody nose for Joe, and he duly obliged midway through the half after another strong challenge!
Wayside thought they had taken the lead when Daire stayed upright in a strong 3 way challenge with the Greystones keeper and defender, to find himself with the goal at his mercy to tap home, only for the referee to blow for a very questionable free kick against him.
The deadlock was finally broken when Wayside found space on the left and the ball was played over the box. Ben had time to watch the ball bounce before spinning and striking it first time back across the goal, hitting the crossbar. Del was smartly on hand and alert to play the ball first time into the back of the net across the keeper for the opening goal.
Wayside Celtic 1-0 Greystones Utd
Wayside had their tails up and immediately went in pursuit of the ball again, winning it back quickly and finding Daire breaking away. As he neared the edge of the opposition box he struck a most exquisite shot that flew past the keeper into the far top corner for one of the goals of the season.
Wayside Celtic 2-0 Greystones Utd
Greystones were struggling to live with a dominant Wayside team at this stage, and with the entire team playing to their top level, Wayside were looking to score again as they continued to press. Kevin was causing trouble for the opposition defence every time the ball was played forward, and in trying to keep him closely watched, gaps were opening for Daire, Ben and Del to run at the Greystones defenders repeatedly, and even when the defenders had the ball, the speed and pressure of the Wayside attack prevented them from building any kind of play from the back.
The half drew to a close with the Wayside coach back on the pitch after Kevin took a kick to the back of the ankle as the Greystones player hit him late. The challenge finished the match for Kevin as he was carried from the fray, with the whistle to end the half following only a minute or 2 later.
After such a powerful display, the Wayside coach half time talk was a simple affair. Well done one and all, now go and do it again!
The second half kicked off with Morgan playing on the right and taking responsibility for keeping the Greystones attacking player quiet, and Ben moving to the front position. Morgan was immediately in action challenging and winning the ball to ensure that the opposition were aware of his arrival, and was so effective in marshalling the right side that Greystones changed formation to try and find space elsewhere on the pitch.
Wayside again looked to press quickly and high up the pitch, and as Greystones were forced to retreat, a pass back to their keeper was unfortunately played straight into the net for the Wayside third, all be it a fortunate one for Wayside.
Wayside Celtic 3-0 Greystones Utd
The game was still not over however, and Greystones were desperately throwing players and the ball at the Wayside defence at every opportunity. Jordan had to be out of his box quickly as a Greystones player looked to break free, and was caught by a very late challenge that brought the Wayside coach back on again, but was somehow overlooked by the referee. Despite defending with great determination, Wayside were unlocked by a long throw into the box, which somehow made it to a Greystones player to tuck into the net from close range.
Wayside Celtic 3-1 Greystones Utd
Ben finally succumbed to the pain in his chest from the challenges in the first half, leading to another change in the Wayside line up, with Rory coming into midfield, and Del now taking up the front position, which was looking like a dangerous place to be!
A harsh decision from the referee against James for shielding the ball gave Greystones a free kick on the sideline well into the Wayside half, and a good ball in found a Greystones player free to tap in their second and set hearts racing for the Wayside supporters as the match entered the final period.
Wayside Celtic 3-2 Greystones Utd
Now it was Wayside that were finding themselves under pressure, with Greystones throwing everything they had at the Wayside goal. A last ditch challenge from Joe brought cries for a penalty from the Greystones supporters, but the Wayside team were giving nothing away easily and were fighting for every challenge.
It was becoming difficult for Wayside to break clear due to the enforced changes to the shape of the team, and as some of the team tired, but defensively they were proving to be a solid unit, challenging and clearing away before the opposition could create any real chances.
The final whistle brought elation for the Wayside players, coaches and supporters, who were all aware that this was the performance of title contenders. There are still matches that need to be won, but if the team can continue to perform with this level of physical intensity and football ability, they should be in the final running for the plaudits at the end of the season.
Well done Wayside on a fantastic victory in a truly epic game of football against a fiercely competitive and talented team.
COME ON WAYSIDE!!
Wayside Celtic U14A 1-0 Cabinteely 20/09/14
Wayside brought their unbeaten run into game 3 with a home match against Cabinteely at Jackson Park. Looking at previous results in the division this was an important game to win if any realistic promotion aspirations were to be entertained.
Cabinteely kicked off, and immediately Wayside intentions were evident, with Cillian chasing the ball back and winning a challenge close to the opposition penalty area. A period of sustained pressure in the Cabinteely half followed, with Wayside pressing high up the pitch and Cabinteely unable to find any outlet.
Clever play from Morgan gave Daire space to run into the box, but the ball would not fall to a Wayside player and was cleared away. A smart take down by Sam, with a lay off then to Cillian kept pressure on the opposition defence, and good hold up play by Daire gave Joe a chance to shoot, with the ball running wide of the post. Morgan then tried his luck from the edge of the box, with the keeper having to save, but Wayside were struggling to find their passing rhythm with any consistency, despite their dominance of possession and territory.
A rare break from Cabinteely required alertness and speed from James to cover, with Ben then battling through 3 challenges to bring the ball clear and release Cillian, who was fouled on the edge of the Cabinteely penalty area. Del flighted a dangerous free kick into the box, and James won the header, but could only direct the ball over the bar for a goal kick to the opposition.
James was in action at the other end almost immediately, showing good awareness and speed to chase down a long ball over the top from Cabinteely, with their striker chasing hard after him. A clean sheet was a priority for the team today, and they were looking alert and sharp throughout the team to any danger, with Jordan next to see danger and race off his line to clear up safely.
Some neat interchange between Sam, Cillian, Del and through for Sam saw Wayside win another corner, but again it would not fall for the finish that Wayside were looking for. Further pressure from Daire won a corner again after a neat pass from Morgan, and Del once again flighted in a dangerous ball to the near post. The keeper could only palm away, and this time Morgan was ready to pounce, being first to the header to knock the ball past the keeper for a deserved lead. 1-0. The half time whistle followed almost immediately, making the goal all the more valuable.
The second half proved even more frustrating than the first, with Wayside enjoying the bulk of possession and territory again, but unable to find any fluidity to their play. Passes were either too strong or not quite enough, control was not as clean as usual, and every breaking ball seemed to run to anywhere except where Wayside would wish.
Daire found space to run clear, but his shot flew wide. James sent Cillian clear, with the keeper saving his shot. Sam and James combined to give Daire space again, with the shot over the bar on this occasion.
Despite the scrappiness of the game, the Wayside back line of Peter, Joe and James, with Ciaran covering just in front of them, was giving nothing away, and although the team could not generate much of their usual flowing football, they were to a man competing for every ball and ensuring that the opposition had no chance to build any persistent attack. Jordan was calling his area well and sweeping up behind the defence, and Ben, Sam, Morgan, Matthew and Daire were protecting the middle of the pitch to prevent any easy breaks.
Matthew and JJ were brought into the action to try and change the pattern of play, and clever work between Cillian- Matthew- Ciaran- Daire- Matthew and then through for Daire saw him caught just offside after a rare showing of the kind of play that Wayside had been striving for.
JJ was busy up front and his persistence and perseverance won a throw for Wayside, which was used to good effect to send Matthew into a pocket of space, with his cross over to Del giving him the chance to shoot, with the ball running straight to the keeper. It was one of those days alright...
A good call from Jordan saw him out to collect a long ball into the box, and his kick sent Ben away, who interchanged with Peter, and then Del, who sent JJ away, only for the offside whistle to go again.
For most of the supporters the final whistle was a relief, as this was not a game to be remembered for its majestic football, but in the context of the Wayside league ambitions, a win on a day when nothing will run for you, and the football is a struggle, is a crucial victory. Many of the team remember the Templeogue game that cost them a league title 2 seasons ago, and it shows the development of the team that they can now win ugly when necessary, and the first clean sheet in the division is an important and noteworthy plus point of an otherwise forgettable match!
Well done Wayside!
Under 14A forced to settle for a draw
Wayside Celtic’s first home game of the season was a repeat fixture from last year, with WFTA the first visitors to Jackson Park and after 2 defeats against them last year, Wayside were going to need a strong performance to take the points in this game.
After the performance in the last match it was inevitable that the same starting 11 would take to the pitch to begin this one, and lining up in their usual formation.
The game kicked off and Wayside immediately looked to press the ball high up the pitch, using the speed and persistence of Daire, Ben, Morgan and Cillian to pressure the opposition in their own half, with Del always around to play the ball into spaces to keep the defence on the back foot.
Very quickly the tactic created an opportunity for Cillian to race free, and after the keeper did well to block him on the edge of the box, the ball fell to Daire who was unlucky to see his first time shot fly wide of the post.
Ben was next to break free and his cross for Del eventually led to a corner for Wayside, with Daire again on the end of it, this time his header being cleared off the line.
Midway through the first half, and against the run of play, WFTA hit a long ball over the Wayside defence which fell kindly for the onrushing attacker, who controlled well and finished to give WFTA a 0-1 lead a poor goal to concede for the home side.
Wayside did not drop their intensity however, and pressure again from Cillian won the ball for Sam, who laid off for Del, who saw his shot fly over the crossbar. Another long ball from WFTA required a perfect sliding challenge from Joe in his own box to prevent a shot, and following the resulting corner, Wayside broke with Del, Daire and Cillian combining to create another chance for Del, with the shot saved by the keeper.
The second half began with Wayside looking to control the ball more, and very quickly Cillian was sent free, beat the keeper and was unlucky to be blocked by the covering defender as he looked to finish.
Good work from the team found Del in space, and his shot across the goal beat the keeper but came back off the post, and another break from Cillian brought yet another block from the WFTA keeper.
Wayside's keeper, Jordan, was called into action from a WFTA corner, palming the ball away at the near post under considerable pressure, with the ball then cleared to safety before any attacking player could react.
A combination of Sam- Peter- Sam- Morgan- Cillian gave Cillian space to run free again, and this time, after the keeper saved the initial shot well, the follow up shot found the back of the net to level the scores. 1-1.
James was next to break deep into the WFTA half, and his cross found Ben, who saw his shot run wide of the post as Wayside looked for the winner.
Another Wayside corner found Matthew in space, and with a clean header he seemed certain to have scored, with the ball somehow being cleared off the line and away, before being sent back high into the box, with Cillian somehow ending up with the ball and unlucky to shoot wide.
An interchange between Del- Cillian- Ben and Matthew gave Matthew space in the box, and he finished well, only to be blown for offside, with Wayside then rueing their misfortune as the WFTA forward broke down the Wayside left, making the most of 3 lucky breaks from Wayside challenges before crossing the ball for an unmarked player to head home at the far post to restore their lead. 1-2.
Still Wayside pressed and refused to let the game slip away, and with JJ now in the action as well, the team continued to look for another goal. Ciaran was now pushing further up the pitch to keep WFTA deep in their own half, and good play gave Ben space to run in from the left, again drawing a save from the keeper.
The equaliser eventually came, and again it was Cillian breaking free as the ball was played over the WFTA defence. He finished neatly, giving the keeper no chance, and the relief throughout the Wayside support was palpable! 2-2.
Full time confirmed the draw between 2 strong and fit teams, but it was Wayside who will consider it 2 points dropped rather then 1 point gained, as their chances were many, and the WFTA keepers inspired display ensured his team took a share of the spoils.
It is likely that these 2 teams will be in the top region of the table come season end, and both remain unbeaten heading to match day 3.
Final Score: Wayside Celtic 2-2 WFTA
UNDER 13B , DOWN AND UP IN SEASON OPENER
Wayside Celtic FC Under 13B Team got their season underway with an early 9.30am kick off on Saturday against Pearse Rangers, and it looked as though some of the wayside players had not managed to fully awaken themselves after they had a poor start and were wondering if the early mornings were too much.
Rangers on the other hand were wide awake and must have had their weetabix too as they looked the far superior team for the first 20 mins and probably couldn't believe their luck finding themselves 3-0 up and cruising to an early season 3 points, That was until the wayside players began to wake from their slumber and relized they were in the middle of a game, with heads down they started to slowly rub the sleep from their eyes , and just before half time Robert Roddy, slipped one past the Rangers keeper, 3-1 , which gave the home team hope that there was something to play for in the second half.
After a good team talk Wayside set about their business in the 2nd half, Jack O Reilly received a ball over the top and ran clear through on goal, then he cooly slotted the ball into the bottom corner of the Rangers net past the despairing dive of the keeper, to make it 3-2 Game on.
Craig Daly ran onto a very similar ball over the top only minutes later, and he too, slipped the ball passed the Rangers keeper to make it 3-3 and all to play for for both teams.
You could feel the tense atmosphere around the ground, as the game went end to end for a few mins before Alex Rossiter picked the ball up on the left wing, with shouts of pass , pass, Alex took on the Rangers back four, ducking and weaving his way through before slotting the ball into the Rangers net, 4-3 to the Celts, with 10 minutes to go.
The play was again end to end, but it was Wayside who went clear again, with a ball from midfield into the path of Mikey Byrne, Mikey dribbled the ball, and advanced towards goal, putting the ball past the keeper on his near side, 5-3 and the points secured for Wayside, however it could have been one that got away, well done to all.
Final Score: Wayside Celtic 5-3 Pearse Rangers
Great start to the season for our U11F1 Saturday Team!!!
Final Score: Ballybrack FC 0-4 Wayside Celtic
Wayside Celtic U14A
St Pat's Athletic 2 - 6 Wayside U14A
Wayside Celtic U14A began their 2014-15 league campaign away to St Pat's with many familiar faces and a couple of new additions to the squad.
Following encouraging, but winless, performances in their friendly matches pre-season, it was time for the team to prove that the hard work in training was all worthwhile.
It was a quick start from the Wayside team, playing on the front foot from the first whistle. With only a few minutes on the clock Cillian was sent free of the St Pat's defence, and with a burst of pace and a clinical finish gave Wayside the lead.
Wayside continued to press, and were looking hungry and aggressive in all areas of the pitch, and were unlucky to find the scores level after a fortunate break allowed St Pat's to cross into the box and score from close range. Questionable decisions by the referee denied Wayside a classic counter attack goal for offside against the scorer, Ben, as well as a definite penalty for a push on Ben when clean through on goal again.
Entirely against the run of play St Pat's found themselves in front, as a well hit shot from the edge of the penalty area found the back of the net. This was now to be a real test for the Wayside team, especially as Jordan was forced off the pitch after landing awkwardly trying to prevent the goal. JJ was called into the game to take over the keeper role, and was in action quickly to make a one handed save to prevent the score reaching 3-1.
Wayside began to turn the pressure on the Pat's defence, and were looking hungry for the ball throughout the team. Good work from a throw in found Sam with room to look up, and his ball over the top sent Ben clear, with his first shot well saved by the keeper, but his follow up cleverly taken to level the scores at 2-2.
Daire was not to be outshone by his opposite wing back, and with some clever play and a fine finish put Wayside back in front, all in the space of a few minutes.
Wayside were now looking confident and in top form, and it was only another short wait for the next goal, Cillian turning the keeper inside out before finishing well from the edge of the area to make it 4-2, scoring the second of his 4 goals on the day!
The second half saw Wayside play some of the most complete football we have ever seen from the team. JJ dealt safely with any ball coming into the area. The back 3 were winning every header near the Wayside goal, and also finding space to press forward at pace when opportunity arose. They showed real discipline holding their shape at the back, and true to form were strong and aggressive in their tackling, giving the opposition no freedom to play at all.
The midfield trio in front of them were breaking up play in the middle of the park to prevent the opposition building any momentum Their pace and tackling kept the St Pat's team on the back foot, and with the vision and passing of Del controlling the game and launching repeated attacks on the opposition goal, it was only a matter of time before another goal was scored.
The pace and aggression of the Wayside wingbacks, turning defence into attack on numerous occasions, allied with a sublime performance up front from Cillian, harrying and chasing continuously, made the second half a nightmare for St Pat's, and with a final score of 6-2, the final whistle came as a relief for their players.
There will be tougher tests ahead, but on the form shown today, the entire Wayside squad can be confident as they move into the next match, and the performance today is one that they can long be proud of. Well done to the entire team!