Boys U12 (2014) Major - Coill Dubh
Match Report – Coill Dubh 1–2 Naas AFC U12 Major League
Naas AFC claimed a hard-earned 2-1 victory against a well managed and talented Coill Dubh side to move joint top of the U12 Major League after a disciplined team performance. Naas started brightly and almost took the lead after just three minutes when Max lept well to meet a corner but his header drifted narrowly wide. GOAL on 5 mins (Alex S, assisted by Matthew W). The breakthrough came a minute later following an excellent move. Max switched play with a superb pass to Matthew on the left wing, who delivered a dangerous low cross into the box. Alex S timed his run perfectly and calmly guided a low finish into the corner to make it 1-0 to Naas. Coill Dubh responded well, forcing a corner that was well defended before Naas won another corner of their own. The home side created a chance on nine minutes, while James produced a brilliant recovery tackle two minutes later to deny a dangerous attack. GOAL on 12 mins (Coill Dubh) The equaliser arrived from a Coill Dubh corner. Naas initially cleared the danger, but the resulting shot took a wicked deflection and ended up nestled in the Naas net, leveling the game at 1-1. Naas continued to threaten before the break. Alex S saw an effort from a corner flash just wide on 19 minutes, while Darragh P was forced off injured on 24 minutes after taking a bad knock to his ankle. Matthew almost restored the lead shortly before half-time, but his well-struck effort was excellently saved by the Coill Dubh goalkeeper. The teams went into the break level at 1-1.
Naas began the second half with real intent, transitioning the ball well and putting the Coill Dubh under real pressure from both flanks. GOAL on 37 minutes, Alex S delivered an excellent corner and Matthew rose highest to power home a superb header, putting Naas back in front at 2-1. Naas continued to pile on the pressure, earning four consecutive corners around the 40-minute mark. Coill Dubh remained dangerous on the counter, but James (Man of the Match) was alert to all danger and once again came to Naas's rescue with another outstanding tackle after a strong run from the home side. Further chances followed for Naas as Alex S and Matthew both went close, but the visitors also needed goalkeeper Evan at his very best. Evan produced an outstanding one-on-one save with five minutes remaining before making another excellent stop late in the game to preserve the lead. Naas almost sealed the victory in the closing minutes when Matthew created space down the left before Darragh P delivered an inviting cross that Bobby steered just wide.
After a tense finish, the final whistle confirmed a fully deserved 2–1 victory for Naas AFC. It was another outstanding all‑round display from Naas, marked by slick transitional play, confident attacking intent, disciplined defensive organisation, and some exceptional goalkeeping that proved crucial in securing three valuable points and moving the team joint‑top of the league. Four back to back wins, away from home is an unreal achievement and shows real consistency. Onwards and upwards.
Moral Boost: Finding the right balance in a squad takes time — learning each player’s strengths, understanding how they attack, how they defend, and how they gel as a unit is key but this group continues to show exactly why they’re special: how they work for each other, they are completely fearless in every area of the pitch, and their willingness to develop is a real testament to them all. You should be so proud of them and from the coaching team, we hope you can all see their progress on match days.
