Anthony McG

I’ve set the side out as strong as I can. Away to Castleknock Celtic and we haven’t played them yet this season. The last time we were here it was a close game. The first half has been even enough. They seem to be at our level in terms of ability to play it on the deck.

Crap, we’re gone one nil down ten minutes into the second half. The defense are playing well but we’ve got caught with a quick break down the wing and a low shoot. I’m not too worried though. There’s been chances for both sides, we’ll get an opportunity to get level. The opportunity falls to ‘Mittsy’. The keeper saves it initially, shite the chance is gone, nope he’s caught the rebound well from a tight angle and it’s in. The parents are celebrating but I’m shouting at the lads to concentrate. It’s one thing to get level in a game, it’s another to sustain it, I’ve learned that, especially with this team. They’re listening though.

A one-on-one with our keeper is saved. Christ this is nerve wracking stuff but we’re getting opportunities. A break down the wing, their defender puts it out for a corner. We could get something from this. Jack swings it over, the defender only knocks it on and Adam connects with a volley from 6 yards. I was fucking right. Beautiful. Two one up and three minutes to go……there’s the final whistle. This I’ll remember forever. My first win in two years as a manager.

4-2 up with fifteen minutes to go. We’d been under pressure for a certain amount of the game but took out chances when they came our way. Time’s ticking on and I’m thinking that we may well have our first victory here (well, when I’ve been present on the sideline anyway).

4-3. Shite, we’re getting tired now but we still have a goal cushion. Great saves from the keeper, we may well hang on.

4-4. Oh no, they’re starting to fall back too much and the other team are lobbing balls into the box. A header brings Donard level. Still a draw would be a decent result considering the amount of saves the keeper has made.

4-5. Another deep ball into the box, the keeper makes contact with the ball but it goes into the roof of the net.

Jesus, when will I ever get some luck. They showed heart, commitment and bottle this week after last weeks drubbing. The result will never be important to me in the long run, I know it’s not about that. Today of all days though I wanted a win. Not to be. Onwards.