Boys U15 (2011) Premier - Kilcullen

An early season top of the table clash against Kilcullen was a match that brought much anticipation this week

Naas held the edge in the early stages of the match but both teams were generally sizing each other up in the first 15 minutes. At this point Kilcullen created their only clear opportunity of the First Half and our Goalkeeper Alec Walsh very bravely made an excellent save at the feet of the Kilcullen striker

For the remainder of the half Naas carried the majority of the threat with both Fabio Kolakowski and Dylan Hynes really testing the Kilcullen goalkeeper who made very fine saves on both occasions

Early in the second half with the aid of a swirling breeze Kilcullen took the lead directly from a corner 10 minutes into the 2nd Half. It was an unfortunate goal to concede and matters could have been worse shortly after but for Alec Walsh again brilliantly tipping a goal bound shot over his crossbar

From this point Naas really took over with Jamie Byrnes and Fabio Kolakowski on top on midfield and Dylan Hynes carrying real threat out wide

Naas created an excellent chance when a nice pass from Conor Gillespie put Dara o Shea through on goal with his finish going just past the post

At that point it was beginning to feel like it might not be our day. But the team really rolled up their sleeves and we moved to a 4-4-2 set up for the last 10 minutes

Our defence at this stage was holding strongly. This was largely due to the leadership of a player who is yet to be mentioned in our match reports this season and that is our team Captain Sean Durnin who was quite simply magnificent throughout today's match

Naas continued to probe and as a few well earned corners passed without a goal the match entered the final minute and no one could have anticipated what was to come in the next 5 minutes

On the stroke of injury time a lovely Naas move lead to Senan Browne very skilfully passing the Kilcullen left back and delivering a super cross which was met with a brilliant header full of determination from Conor Gillespie to the net to earn Naas a very well deserved equaliser

When play resumed under no pressure Naas coughed up possession and Kilcullen attacked to earn a penalty totally against the run of play.

As the penalty was struck Alec Walsh who had a fantastic match pulled off an absolutely brilliant save while also managing to hold onto the ball

With virtually the last play from Alec playing the ball out Jamie Byrnes who performed brilliantly again today was fouled to earn a free 20 yard from goal.

Dara o Shea who had also carried a potent threat throughout the match immediately instructed the coaches that he was going to be accountable and take responsibility for the strike at goal

Dara sized up the position and with clinical accuracy drilled the ball like an arrow low into the bottom left hand corner

This lead to great scenes of excitement among the players and the final whistle blew very shortly afterward

While the Naas players were thrilled they showed due respect to a fine Kilcullen team as the teams shaked hands after a great match

This win was all about a group of very good Naas players really playing for each other as a collective and team today

It was great to see the togetherness within the group at the final whistle today. This can only be a positive for the matches to come in the weeks and months ahead. Very proud of these young men.