Boys U12 (2014) Major - Kill Celtic
Today the Naas U12 Major squad made the trip to Straffan to face Kill Celtic. Fresh off impressive away victories over Castle Villa and Athy during the week, Naas arrived eager to test themselves against a talented Kill side. Numbers were tight, with only eight players available, but captain Evan showed remarkable commitment by lining out despite being very unwell, bringing the group to nine. The team was further strengthened by Jamie, who stepped up brilliantly from the U10s to provide much‑needed support from the bench.
The game kicked off right on schedule, and Naas burst out of the blocks, immediately putting Kill Celtic under pressure and winning an early corner. Darragh P—quickly becoming a real specialist from set pieces—almost scored straight from it, curling in a superb delivery that forced the Kill keeper into a desperate scramble, eventually cleared off the line to the relief of the home side. Naas had set their intent early. On 5 minutes, the breakthrough came: GOAL — Conor (assist: Matthew). From a Seb throw‑in, launched with the power of a 35-year-old man, Matthew W drove at the Kill backline, split the defence, and slipped Conor through on goal. Conor made no mistake, firing home his first of the season. By the 10‑minute mark, Naas had earned another corner, and once again Darragh P’s in‑swingers caused chaos, though Kill managed to clear. Kill then began to string together some decent passages of play, but the Naas back line of Bobby, Darragh, and Seb stood firm, dealing calmly with every threat. As Naas regained control, the defence and midfield (Alex S, Max and Jamie) repeatedly released wingers Jason and Matthew, who relentlessly attacked the Kill backline, forcing them deeper and deeper. On 16 minutes, the pressure told: GOAL — Max(assist Darragh P), hammering home another excellent corner delivery. Naas were flying, but on 20 minutes, GOAL — Kill, against the run of play. After a couple of failed clearances, Kill pounced and finished well to make it 2–1. The goal lifted them, and they pushed hard, forcing Evan into a terrific save to preserve the lead. Naas absorbed the pressure, stayed composed, and went into halftime 2–1 ahead. Game on.
After some excellent halftime guidance from the coaches, Naas came out for the second half playing with the swagger of a vintage Brazilian side—confident, expressive, and with the mindset that if Kill scored, they would simply score more. The defence and midfield linked superbly, and Jason and Matthew continued to torment the Kill backline, their pressure finally paying off. On 32 minutes came the breakthrough: GOAL — Jamie (assist: Max). Matthew slipped a clever ball through, and Jamie—stepping up brilliantly from the U10s—caused havoc in the box before firing a shot that took a wicked deflection and nestled in the Kill net. Naas 3–1. Things only got worse for Kill. Soon after, another flowing move produced a fourth: GOAL — Matthew (assist: Jason). Seb won the ball deep and drove forward, feeding Alex S, who produced a superb outside‑of‑the‑boot pass to the right wing. Jason raced onto it, twisted the defender inside out, and delivered a perfect ball across the box for Matthew to finish clinically on the back post. Naas 4–1. By the 45‑minute mark, Naas were relentless. Smelling blood, they struck again: GOAL — Jason (assist: Matthew), after Max won possession in midfield and released Matthew on the left. Matthew carried the ball to the byline and whipped in a dangerous cross, which Jason met with conviction to fire home. A dominant second‑half display from Naas, who controlled the game from start to finish and deservedly ran out a 5–1 winner.
Another outstanding win for Naas—away from home, full of confidence, and unfazed by the changes in formation. It was a performance that showcased their mentality, their adaptability, and their unwavering commitment to one another as teammates. Watch out Coill Dubh, we are coming for you!!!!
