Under 11 Major Division 2010/11
Moone Celtic 1 - 2 Bush Celtic, October 9th
Top of the table Bush Celtic were the visitors to Fortfield Park on Saturday and the home team gave them a huge fright. Moone Celtic found themselves 2-0 down after 10 minutes after two very good goals from Bush. Moone Celtic dragged themselves back into the game with great midfield work from Richard Slattery and Scott Keogh. Ben Matushka and Conor Goldrick were now keeping things very tight at the back and repelled any Bush attacks. The second half started with Moone on the constant attack and they were unlucky to find the visiting keeper in top form. Euan Cullen had a goal disallowed for offside after a good run from Stephen Casey but then after a good free from Richard Slattery was scrambled clear, Jordan Keogh was in the right place to fire the ball to the roof of the net. Moone went all out attacking at this stage and Jordan Stanley and Scott Keogh were thwarted by the Bush keeper. With Moone still pressing time ran out and the home team were very unlucky not to draw this game. Best for Moone Celtic on the day were Peter Coogan, Joe Gibbons on his debut in goal and a man of the match performance from Moone’s full back Jack Flood.
Moone Celtic 2 - 3 Brookview Celtic, September 25th
Dublin team Brookview Celtic were the visitors to Fortfield Park on Saturday in this U11 Menton-Seery cup game. Playing with the elements, Brookview attacked from the start while Moone Celtic struggled to get a foothold in the game. The visitors quickly went two goals up with good efforts from Daniel Ingrem and Conor Sullivan. Moone Celtic fought back and a long range effort from Jordan Keogh was well saved by Dylan Adamson. With the first half almost up the visitors went 3-0 up thanks to another good goal from Daniel Ingram. If ever there was a game of two halves, this was it, as Moone Celtic took complete control of the game. Any Brookview attacks were quickly snubbed out by Conall Mc Bride and Joe Gibbons with Jack Flood sweeping up very effectively behind them. Moone Celtic won a free high up the pitch and from 25 yards out Richard Slattery rocketed the ball to the roof of the net giving the visiting keeper no chance. Scott Keogh was causing havoc with his mazy runs and his brother Jordan caused the Brookview defence no end of trouble. Moone were rewarded again with their attacking play when a Brookview defender was unfortunate to put through his own net. Tomas O’Brien in Moone Celtic’s goal kept the game close with a few fine saves but unfortunately time ran out on the home team but they were very unlucky not to take it to extra time. Best for Moone Celtic on the day were Conor Goldrick, Ben Matushka and a man of the match performance from Moone’s tenacious full back Peter Coogan.
Moone Celtic 3 - 5 Athy Town, September 18thA very strong Athy team were the visitors to Fortfield Park on Saturday and came away with a well deserved victory. Moone Celtic were on the back foot from early but good defensive work from Conall Mc Bride & Peter Coogan kept the game scoreless. Athy scored two goals before the break in quick succession from Fintan Lawler and William Hayden. Athy started the second half in much the same way and Fintan Lawler scored to put them 3-0 to the good. An excellent long range shot from Jordan Keogh kept the home team in the game and he then scored again after good team play to leave Moone trailing 3-2. Just as Moone looked like they were getting back into the game, they gave away a needless penalty and Sean Finn made no mistake from the spot. Back Moone came again and a cross from Oisin Kelly was expertly finished by Jordan Keogh for his third of the game. Moone Celtic threw everything forward in search of an equaliser but were caught on the break when Fintan Lawler scored his third to finish the game. Best for Athy Town on the day were Donal McGrath and Ben Aldridge, with Ben Matuschka and man of the match Conor Goldrick playing well for Moone.
Naas AFC 5 - 5 Moone Celtic, September 11thThis young and developing Moone Celtic side continues to improve and play a good brand of football and were very unlucky to see this game end in a draw. Moone attacked early and a great long pass by Conall Mc Bride put Richard Slattery in and he clipped it just wide. Indeed it wasn’t going to be Richard’s lucky day as he hit post and crossbar in the first half. Moone opened the scoring when Jordan Keogh beat a few defenders and crossed for Stephen Casey to shoot to the net. Naas equalised but Moone restored the lead with a good run and finish from Jordan Keogh. The home keeper kept the game close with numerous saves throughout this game and his good work was rewarded at the other end when Naas equalised to leave the score at 2-2 at half time. Moone's missed opportunities cost dear as after ten minutes of the second half, Moone found themselves 4-2 down. But the never say die attitude was there for all to see when Euan Cullen burst through twice to score two goals and bring the game level at 4-4. Good work from Jordan Stanley and Scott Keogh put Jordan Keogh through on goal and he made no mistake by putting Moone Celtic 5-4 up with time nearly up. However the scoring wasn’t finished yet and after a hectic scramble in the box Naas equalised. Best for Moone Celtic on the day were Peter Coogan, Joe Gibbons and Jack Flood and a man of the match performance from team captain Ben Matushka.
Moone Celtic 4-2 Sallins Celtic, September 4th
The first match played at Moone Celtic’s new home Fortfield Park, provided great entertainment for all whose in attendance. The two teams were very evenly matched with both producing good early chances testing the resolve of both defences. After an early effort from Euan Cullen sailed just wide Moone Celtic attacked again and after good work from Scott Keogh, Jordan Stanley fired the ball to the net for the first goal. Sallins continued to produce chances and were rewarded when Killian Murphy finished well to bring the game level at 1-1. Jordan Stanley again broke clear from the Sallins defence and finished well to leave Moone Celtic 2-1 up at half time. With Moone Celtic playing into the elements in the second half, Sallins exerted greater pressure but the excellent defensive system from Moone kept them at bay, with centre halves Conall Mc Bride and Joe Gibbons providing expert and tough coverage in the middle. Moone caught Sallins on the break and Scott Keogh’s shot from outside the area beat the Sallin’s keeper to put the home team 3-1 up. Sallins many attacks were kept at bay by the excellent Tomas O’Brien in Moone’s goals but even he could do nothing to prevent Dylan Lahart firing a second for Sallins to bring the game back to 3-2. Moone caught Sallins on the break again and after an excellent run and deft pass from Stephen Casey let Ben Matushka in and his cross was headed to the net by Jordan Keogh only to see his effort ruled out by offside. With time almost up, Jordan Keogh broke for the home team and fired the ball confidently to the net to leave the final score at 4-2 in favour of Moone Celtic. Best for Moone Celtic on the day were Peter Coogan, Conor Goldrick & Michael Donahue.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Under 10 Major Division 2009/10
Moone Celtic 5-2 Prosperous United, Saturday April 24th
These two teams played an excellent brand of football which was enjoyed by all in attendance. The home team were the first to launch an attack and an excellent pass from Richard Slattery split the defence which put Scott Keogh through and he fired confidently pass the keeper. Moone continued to push forward but Prosperous’ keeper Ciaran Ward kept them in the game with excellent saves from both Jordan & Scott Keogh. Ben Matuschka then broke from midfield and fired a dipping 30 yard shot which cannoned off the crossbar and Euan Cullen made no mistake with the rebound putting Moone 2-0 up. Moone continued to apply the pressure and a fine solo run and calm finish by Richard Slattery put the home team three to the good. Just as it looked like the game was running away from Prosperous, they were rewarded for their hard work when Oisin Nagle expertly converted a penalty awarded for a handball by a Moone defender. The second half resumed with the home team 3-1 up, and that lead was extended when excellent work on the wing by Euan Cullen resulted in a cross to Jordan Keogh who made no mistake. Good interplay between Stephen Casey and Euan Cullen again put Jordan Keogh through on goal and he rifled the ball to the roof of the net putting Moone 5-1 up. With time running out, Oisin Nagle for the visitors delivered an excellent corner which found its way to the back of the net, giving a final score of 5-2 in favour of Moone. Best on the day for Prosperous were Ciaran Ward, David O’Neill, Andrew Halley & Ruadhan Glover, while Conall Mc Bride, Joe Gibbons, Conor Goldrick and man of the match Jack Flood all played well for Moone Celtic.
Moone Celtic 1-0 Newbridge Town,Saturday April 10thThis was an exciting game of many chances but the score line doesn’t do the good efforts of both teams justice. Excellent weather led to near perfect playing conditions and it was clear from the tip off that both teams wanted to play an attacking brand of football. Early long distance efforts from both Jordan Keogh and Ben Matuschka were well saved by Newbridge’s keeper but Newbridge were also creating chances. Moone’s stand in keeper Peter Coogan pulled off an excellent save to deny Newbridge Town the opener. The second half kicked off pretty similar to the first with Moone playing most of the attacking football but failing to hit the net. With time running out the home team were eventually rewarded with what turned out to be the winning goal when great interplay between Scott Keogh and Stephen Casey put Euan Cullen through and from a difficult angle and with his less favoured left foot, he rifled the ball to the net. Best for Moone on the day were Ben Matuschka, Joe Gibbons and man of the match Scott Keogh.
Moone Celtic 3-2 Kilcock, Saturday March 27th
These two evenly matched teams played out an entertaining game at Belan Avenue on Saturday morning. The visitors attacked from the kick off and were unlucky to see a few long range shots slip past the post. Moone gained a foot-hold in the game and their pressure was rewarded when Richard Slattery coolly slotted home. Scott and Jordan Keogh combined to put the latter through and he hammered the ball to the roof of the net giving the keeper no chance. Conall Mc Bride and Joe Gibbons kept Kilcock's attacks at bay with solid defending, but the visitors got their reward just before half time with a super long range effort giving Tomas O’Brien no chance in goals. The second half started with Moone pressing further up the pitch and both Peter Coogan and Stephen Casey were unlucky to see efforts go narrowly wide. Kilcock equalised after the ball ricocheted around the penalty area, but Moone regained the lead with a fine long range effort from Richard Slattery. Kilcock continued to press to the end, but Moone deservedly held on for their 3-2 victory. Best for Moone on the day were Scott Keogh, Conall Mc Bride and man of the match Richard Slattery.
Athy Town 2 – 4 Moone Celtic, Saturday 13th March
Moone Celtic visited local rivals Athy Town on Saturday morning and came away with a well deserved victory. Playing with the elements, Moone attacked from the off and their attacking display was rewarded with two well taken goals from Jordan Keogh. With Richard Slattery and Ben Matuschka holding the midfield together well, Scott Keogh was allowed free reign to support his brother with attacking runs. One of these runs put Jordan Keogh through on goal again and he lashed the ball high into the net giving Athy’s goalkeeper no chance and securing his hat-trick before the half was over. Athy came more into the game at this stage and scored when a long distance shot was deflected into the net giving stand in keeper Peter Coogan no chance. Athy continued to attack but this time Peter Coogan was well placed to pull off a brave save. The half time whistle arrived with Moone deservedly leading 3-1.Euan Cullen and Joe Gibbons for the visitors were having a growing influence on the game and Moone moved further ahead when Richard Slattery cracked the ball to the net after a mazy run. At this stage Jack Flood was playing a holding roll for Moone and on the odd occasion that Athy got past him, Conall Mc Bride was there to sweep up any danger. With time running out Athy scored again, but with time up Moone Celtic were not flattered by their 4-2 victory.
Rathangan Town 2 – 2 Moone Celtic, Saturday 6th MarchMoone Celtic made the long trip to Rathangan on Saturday morning and were rewarded with a hard fought draw. Once again Moone had more or less their strongest squad at their disposal and the work carried out in training is there for all to see. A large crowd was in attendance and Rathangan were the first to attack and were unlucky to see a good move ending with a shot just wide of the post. Rathangan once again attacked and had a two on one situation but Conall Mc Bride did very well to quell the attack with an excellently timed tackle. Moone grew into the game and were rewarded when a well taken corner was turned into the net by an unfortunate Rathangan defender. Moone’s one touch passing was causing the home team considerable difficulties at this stage and the visitors were rewarded with a second goal. Good interplay involving Richard Slattery and Scott Keogh put Euan Cullen in a good scoring position and he gave the home keeper no chance with an excellent finish. The second half started as the first half finished and Moone were unlucky not to add to their total with a couple of shots just wide and the home keeper pulling off some good saves. With the unexpected warm morning taking its toll on the Moone players, Moone once again emptied the bench. Rathangan were now applying pressure and but for some tough defending from Conor Goldrick and Peter Coogan the home team could have scored earlier than they did. With time running out Rathangan scored two quick goals, neither of which Moone's keeper could do anything about. Nobody deserved to lose this game and both teams were satisfied with the final score of 2-2.
Best for Moone on the day were Ben Matuschka, Conall Mc Bride & Euan Cullen.
Prosperous Utd 5 – 5 Moone Celtic, Saturday 27th FebruaryMoone Celtic U-10s visited Prosperous again and played their part fully in a very entertaining game. Moone had their full panel together for the first time in a long time and started with a very strong 7. Moone attacked from the kick-off and were a constant threat to the home team with their attractive fast brand of short passing play. The first half was the best this under 10 team has played this season and were in no way flattered by the half time score of 4-0. Goal scorers in the first half were Jordan Keogh (2), Scott Keogh & Ben Matuschka. The visitors emptied the bench at the start of the second half and what was a predominately U9 team played excellent in the second half. The home team fought back and were rewarded with two early goals to bring the game back to 4-2 in favour of Moone. A great passing move involving Stephen Casey and Jack Flood led to Euan Cullen through on goal and he made no mistake to put Moone 5-2 up with ten minutes to play. Prosperous continued to attack and following two quick goals and time running out, Prosperous equalised with the last kick of the game.
Best for Moone on the day were Tomas O’Brien, Joe Gibbons and Richard Slattery.
Moone Celtic 2 - 4 Bush Celtic, February 13thA very strong Bush Celtic team were the visitors to Belan Avenue on Saturday morning and left with a deserved victory. Moone started brightly and were unlucky to see a good shot from Jack Flood just wide. From the kick out Moone regained possession, Jack Flood passed to Ben Matuschka who rifled the ball to the back of the net to put the home team one to the good. The visitors attacked from the kick off and after the Moone defence kept the attackers at bay for a period of time, Larry Kelly hammered the ball to the net giving Tomas O’Brien no chance in goals. The visitors superior strength was coming to the fore now but for the ever excellent defensive partnership of Conall Mc Bride and Conor Goldrick, they could have extended their lead earlier than they did. The visitor scored again through an excellent finish by the impressive Sam Jordan. Moone came out for the second half determined to put it up to Bush Celtic and Joe Gibbons epitomised this tenacity with his tough tackling and good vision with some good passing. After good approach work by Stephen Casey and Peter Coogan, Moone earned a corner. Ben Matushka swung in the corner and it was clinically finished to the net by Richard Slattery. The warm weather was sapping the home team’s energy and some excellent saves by Tomas O’ Brien kept Moone in the game. Moone were unlucky to go a goal behind when the ball deflected off a Moone defender to put the visitors back in the lead. With time running out Adam McInerney scored a fourth to put the game out of Moone’s reach. Best for Moone on the day were Conor Goldrick, Richard Slattery, Conall Mc Bride and Moone’s man of the match Ben Matuschka.
Moone Celtic 3 – 1 Edenderry, February 6th
Moone Celtic U-10s entertained Edenderry on Saturday morning in a very competitive game of football. The home team attacked from the kick off and a good pass from Ben Matuschka put Scott Keogh through on goal who made no mistake from close range. Edenderry came back into the game, and were unlucky when Tomas O’Brien pulled off a great save to deny them the equaliser. With Conall Mc Bride and Conor Goldrick once again proving a strong defensive partnership and Joe Gibbons and Jack Flood battling hard in midfield, Moone Celtic were gaining the upper hand and were rewarded before half time with a second goal. Good work from Richard Slattery led to Jordan Keogh in on goal and despite his first effort being saved well by the visiting goalkeeper, he made no mistake with the rebound. Moone Celtic used their large squad well and a great run from Euan Cullen culminated in Peter Coogan shooting just wide. Michael Donoghue and Cathal Ryan were also introduced in the second half and they made the Edenderry defenders work very hard to stay in the game. Good work from Oisin Kelly put Peter Coogan through but again he was unfortunate to see his powerful shot miss the target narrowly. Moone looked to press home their advantage and were unlucky to see shots by Euan Cullen and Ben Matuschka just missing the goal. Moone Celtic finally scored their third when a good pass by Cathal Ryan found its way to Jordan Keogh who made no mistake with a fine shot. Edenderry never gave up and were rewarded with a goal with time running out. Best for Moone on the day were Conall Mc Bride, Richard Slattery and Peter Coogan.
Prosperous United 1 – 1 Moone Celtic, January 30th
Moone Celtic U-10s travelled to Prosperous on Saturday morning and played their part in an exciting game of football. Moone started the game playing an attractive brand of football with Jack Flood and Ben Matuschka being particularly effective in midfield. Early attacking opportunities for Moone were wasted as their rustiness after an eight week lay off was clear for all to see. Mid way through the first half Moone began to click mainly through the endeavours of Euan Cullen and Scott Keogh. Prosperous grew into the game as well and could have easily taken the lead but for the excellent and tough defensive partnership of Conall Mc Bride and Conor Goldrick. On the odd occasion when the defence was breached, goalkeeper Tomas O’Brien was there to repel all danger. Moone continued to attack and were rewarded just before half time with an excellent finish by top scorer Jordan Keogh. Moone made changes in the second half as the big pitch and warm weather was taking its toll on players. Peter Coogan, Oisin Kelly and Stephen Casey made a huge difference when they came on, with Stephen’s intelligent promptings creating a couple of chances for Joe Gibbons who was very unfortunate to shoot the ball fractionally wide. Prosperous were rewarded for their good play when Tomas O’Brien was eventually beaten after a header from a corner. Good defensive work from Peter Coogan ensured Moone stayed on level terms and with time running out Moone pressed for the winning goal. From a corner, Conall Mc Bride turned the defender and was unlucky to see his effort rebound off the crossbar. With the referee about to blow for full-time, man of the match Tomas O’Brien pulled off another brave save that kept the game level.
Moone Celtic 3 - 4 Athy Town, November 28th
On a dull misty morning, the Belan Avenue pitch held up very well as these two evenly matched teams played out a great game of football. Moone were first to attack and two excellent efforts by Jordan Keogh would have resulted in scores if it wasn’t for the great goalkeeping of Jade Arundel. Conall Mc Bride was the next for Moone to try for goal and he was unlucky to see his long range effort creep over the crossbar. Athy caught Moone on the break and some slick inter-passing left Sean Finn free on goal and he made no mistake shooting past Moone keeper Peter Coogan. Moone Celtic were soon level when good work from Scott Keogh put his brother Jordan through on goal and he made no mistake this time for the equaliser. Moone continued to press for the lead goal with efforts from Ben Matuschka and Scott Keogh going close and then Jack Flood had a great shot again expertly saved by Athy’s Jade Arundel. Moone’s continuous pressure was sure to reap rewards and their onslaught resulted in a corner. Jack Flood swung in the corner and it was cleared by the Athy defence as far as Conall Mc Bride who rifled the ball to the net from distance. Athy refused to give up and once again caught Moone on the break and a good team move was finished to the net by Carl Tierney. With half time approaching Moone attacked once again and after good industry from Stephen Casey, the ball found its way to Ben Matuschka who slalomed his way past three defenders and shot the ball low to the net giving Moone a 3-2 half time lead. Athy came out for the second half rejuvenated and but for solid defending from Joe Gibbons and Conor Goldrick they may have equalised sooner than they did. Athy’s third goal came from a great effort out wide by the impressive Fintan Lawler. Moone reacted well to conceding a third goal and again attacked but were thwarted on numerous occasions by Athy’s sub-keeper Eoin Mc Glinchey. Moone paid for their missed opportunities when Donal McGrath finished the ball to the net after a scramble in the Moone goal mouth. A late long distance free from Conall Mc Bride was unlucky to miss the target and Stephen Casey again went close, but Moone were lucky not to concede again when the final shot of the game was saved by Peter Coogan.
Best for Moone on the day were Ben Matuschka, Conor Goldrick and Oisin Kelly whereas Billy Doyle, James Keegan and Evan Maher all played well for Athy.
Moone Celtic 3 - 2 Prosperous Utd, November 7th
Moone attacked straight from the kick off and following a Scott Keogh pass to his brother Jordan, the Prosperous keeper Lorcan Behan pulled off a good save. Moone continued to press and when a great pass by Conall Mc Bride found its way to Jordan Keogh, he flicked on to Ben Matuschka who was running through; he in turn squared to Scott Keogh who made no mistake this time putting the home team one up. Prosperous’ keeper kept the lead to one with fine saves and it was the visitors turn to apply some pressure, but good goalkeeping from Moone’s Tomás O Brien kept the slender lead. The half finished with Moone getting the upper hand in midfield through the tough tackling of Joe Gibbons and energetic running and passing of Jack Flood.Prosperous profited from their continued industry on the day, when a great team move was finished to the net expertly by Oisin Nagle. Prosperous pressed for the equaliser but on the odd occasion that they got past the resolute defending of Conall Mc Bride and Peter Coogan, Tomás O Brien was there to quell any danger. Some great inter-play between Stephen Casey and Joe Gibbons in midfield left the latter in space fully thirty yards from goal and he arrowed the ball to the top corner of the net giving the keeper no chance and putting the home team 3-1 up.These two evenly matched and very competitive teams lit up a dreary morning at Belan Avenue to produce a very exciting game enjoyed by all in attendance.The second half started with Moone playing with the elements this time and they fully used the wind and driving rain to their advantage. A slick passing move from one end of the pitch to the other left Euan Cullen with a difficult opportunity but he was unlucky to see his shot fizz past the post. Moone continued to attack and were rewarded when a good low shot by Jordan Keogh put the home team two to the good.Prosperous continued to play an attractive brand of football and scored again through Oisin Kane ensuring Moone were left with a fraught final two minutes. Moone’s defence stayed firm and the home team were delighted when the referee blew up ensuring Moone maintained their good recent run of form.
Best for Prosperous Utd on the day were Aaron Fitzgerald and David O’Neill with Conor Goldrick and Oisin Kelly playing well for Moone Celtic.
Kilcock 0 - 1 Moone Celtic, October 17th
Moone Celtic made the arduous journey to Kilcock on Saturday morning hoping to keep up their recent good run of form. On a warm morning, stamina was key and Moone’s extended panel ensured that the team was kept as fresh as possible with all players playing a key role. Moone attacked straight from the kick off and were unlucky when two efforts from Jordan Keogh and one from Ben Matuschka went narrowly wide. With Stephen Casey’s intelligent prompting from midfield and strong defending from Conall Mc Bride at the back Moone were in charge as the half progressed. A great pass from man of the match Conor Goldrick put Euan Cullen through and he was unlucky to see his shot fly past the post. Late in the first half, Kilcock applied some pressure and two acrobatic saves from Tomás O Brien kept the game scoreless at half time. With players struggling with the unexpected heat, Moone Celtic emptied the bench to great effect. Kilcock’s keeper Peter Larkin kept them in the game with great saves from Scott Keogh and Jack Flood who was having his best game of the season to date. Tenacious tackling and defending from the new defensive partnership of Peter Coogan and Joe Gibbons kept the Kilcock attacks at bay and with the clock winding down Moone were rewarded for their play on the day. Great running and pressure by Oisin Kelly resulted in a Moone corner and a great delivery by Ben Matuschka was headed powerfully to the net by Moone’s Celtic’s striker Jordan Keogh.Kilcock pressured for the equaliser but Moone were resolute in defence and on the odd occasion when the impressive defensive combination of Peter Coogan and Joe Gibbons was breached, Tomás O’Brien was there to repel any danger. Moone Celtic were delighted with their victory and set themselves up nicely for their trip to the Shamrock Rovers v Drogheda United game in Tallaght stadium later that day. 13 Moone U10s made the trip to Tallaght on Saturday evening along with the U11s & U13s , all were retuned home safely (I think) and the highlight for all was Mc Donald’s after the game.
Moone Celtic 3 - 4 Bush Celtic, October 10th
An under strength Moone Celtic team delivered an excellent performance on a morning not suited to the beautiful game. Moone started the game playing an attractive brand of football with both Euan Cullen and Jack Flood shooting just wide from difficult opportunities. A strong home team found themselves two nil up against the run of play despite the best efforts of Moone stand-in goalkeeper Peter Coogan. Moone pulled a goal back before half-time when a well worked team effort was finished to the net by Mark McGinley. Another well taken goal by Moone from Mark McGinley brought the sides level and then a goal by the excellent Euan Cullen put Moone Celtic 3-2 to the good. Athy broke suddenly again and equalized only for Moone to go back in front with a well taken Ben Matuschka shot. Once again, Athy pegged Moone back with a scrappy goal which led to a very tense finish. Moone applied some serious pressure on the Athy goal, with good efforts from Oisin Kelly, Joe Gibbons and Stephen Casey either testing the keeper or flashing the wrong side of the posts. A late penalty miss by Moone ensured the game finished level. The game was a great spectacle for all in attendance and despite the sometimes monsoon conditions, Conall Mc Bride and Conor Goldrick played well in defence keeping the Athy attackers at bay.
Moone Celtic 4-1 Prosperous Utd, September 26th
These two sides served up a great game of football on another fine morning in Belan Avenue. After early pressure from the visitors, Moone went one up after a fine run and cross by Scott Keogh was finished to the net by his brother Jordan. Moone continued to press forward and Jack Flood flashed a shot just wide of the post. After some pressure from Prosperous, Ben Matuschka streaked down the wing and crossed superbly for Jordan Keogh to knock pass the goalkeeper.The second half kicked off with Prosperous Utd. immediately on the attack and they were duly awarded when after some confusion in the Moone defence, Ruadhan Glover shot past goal keeper Tomás O’Brien. Moone fought back and regained their two goal lead with a superb long distance strike by Ben Matuschka. Moone’s fourth and final goal arrived when an expertly delivered corner by Stephen Casey was headed to the net by Jordan Keogh, who celebrated his hat-trick in style!
Others to play well for Moone on the day were Conall Mc Bride, Peter Coogan, Oisin Kelly & Euan Cullen. For the visitors Oisin Kane, Andrew Halley & Joseph Ennis all played excellently in an entertaining match for all present.
Moone Celtic 4-1 Newbridge Town, September 19th
An overcast morning was lit up by two very skilful and dedicated teams. After a strong start from the visitors Moone scored when Jordan Keogh crossed the ball and an unfortunate deflection from a Newbridge Town defender put Moone one to the good. Amazingly enough, a similar effort this time from Ben Matuschka again deflected off a defender, wrong footing the goalie to put Moone two up. Just before half time Scott Keogh put Moone three up with an excellent effort. Newbridge Town started the second half very strongly and were rewarded with a good strike by Michael Rooney. The visitors continued to press but were caught on the break when another great Scott Keogh goal put Moone 4-1 up. Moone finished the game comfortably and a great goalkeeping display by Tomás O’Brien and with the defence expertly marshalled by Conall Mc Bride and Conor Goldrick ensured no further scares. Others to play well for the home team were Peter Coogan, Joe Gibbons & Jack Flood, whereas Ronan Kiernan, Dean Brophy & Rich McCarter all played well for the visitors.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Under 9's Major 1 Division 2008/09
Moone Celtic 3 - 1 Athgarvan Villa, November 22nd
This game was a great game to watch with free flowing footballing on both sides. Moone started brightly and were unlucky not to go one up in the very early stages when a Stephen Casey shot was cleared off the Athgarvan goalline through excellent team effort. Casey was rewarded for his sharp play however in the second minute when he made no mistake after some nice work from Mark McGinley. Casey was causing havok in the Athgarvan defence again when he and McGinley combined only for Casey's brilliantly struck shot to canon back down and out away to saftey. Ben Matuschka then went on a strong run in the 11th minute and crossed for Casey to score his second of the day.
Into the second half and Athgarvan rallied back strongly and were very deservedly rewarded for excellent team play when Harry Caroll scored with a well placed shot beyond the stranded Conor Goldrick in the Moone goal. Moone had a few nervous moments over the next period of the half until Mark McGinley finally got the goal his creative play and running deserved in the 29th minute. Despite continous hard work from the entire Athgarvan team and in particular Adam Brennan, Robbie Croft and Mattew Barker, Moone held out. Best for Moone on the day were Peter Coogan, Matthew Gallagher, Joe Gibbons and player of the match Conall McBride.
Moone Celtic 3 - 2 Kilcock, November 15th
This was an excellent game played with exemplary effort by both teams. Kilcock looked to have the upper hand for virtually the whole of the first half. However due to Conor Goldricks heroics in the Moone goal he managed to keep Kilcock scoreless at the half way mark. Stephen Casey and Mark McGinley however always looked likely to cause the Kilcock defence difficulties should Moone get on the front foot.
In the second half this proved to be the case when right from the tip off Ben Matuschka found McGinley on the left wing. He brilliantly jinked his way past the would be tackles and squared the ball to the incoming Goldrick, released from the shackles of the Moone goal. With Moone now one up against the run of play, Kilcock heads dropped and the in form Stephen Casey pounced to add another individual goal to his impressive tally for the season. McGinley was again the inspiration in providing Casey's second of the day.
With nothing to lose now Kilcock threw caution to the wind and were rewarded firstly when Conor Mullaly scored. This was closely followed by a Stephen Smyth strike which made for an anxious finish to the game for Moone. However owing to the strong resolve and spirit in the Moone side they held firm. this was typified by the performance of Conall McBride, Peter Coogan, Matthew Gallagher and man of the match Ciaran O' Sullivan. Best for a very unlucky Kilcock were Sean Marks, Donal Murray and Fionn Talbot.
Clane United 2 - 4 Moone Celtic, November 08th.
A superb performance by Moone’s entire team brought about an excellent result away to Clane on Saturday last. With Conor Goldrick in goal and the defence brilliantly lead by Peter Coogan, Conell McBride Moone always had a chance in this game. Moone’s U9’s will forever remember this game as it was their first win together as they only recently joined the division. Moone’s victory came as a result of Stephen Casey’s headline grabbing four goal tally. Through excellent team work and Casey’s keen eye for goal Moone found themselves 4-1 up at the interval. The second half saw the classy pair of Mark McGinley and Ben Matuscka grab a goal a piece for themselves. Clane never stopped trying and added a second prior to the final whistle. Deserving of special mention for Moone were Joe Gibbons, Conor Goldrick and Oisin Kelly.
Moone Celtic 0 - 1 Prosperous United, 1st November
Prosperous made the long journey to Moone worthwhile on Saturday last when they came out the victors in this exciting match. Prosperous' greater time together as a team was the predominent difference between these sides. Thus from the start Prosperous were the more likely to score. Despite this with Ben Matuschka and Connell McBride in defence and the outstanding Peter Coogan in goal Moone kept the Prosperous attacking unit at bay. That was until the player of the match Andrew Halley skillfully created an opening for Joe Ennis to strike past Coogan in the Moone goal. Prosperous went on to hit both crossbar and post in the remainder of the game but couldn't add to their tally. Moone had one chance to snatch an unlikely equaliser in the closing stages when Mark McGinley brilliantly put Matuschka through. However Oisin Nangle did well to produce a great block tackle and clear to safety. Best for Prosperous were Andrew Halley, Oisin Nagle and Aaron Fitzgerald. Others to play well for Moone throughout were Oisin Kelly, Stephen Casey and Joe Gibbons.
Moone Celtic 1 - 1 Clane, 25th October
