Boys U15 (2011) Premier - Wicklow Rovers

With a late 3-30pm kick off scheduled for the Naas AFC u15 Premier teams SFAI 2nd round match away to Wicklow Rovers the team arrived in good time to zone in on the task ahead.

The match pitch was in as poor a condition as we have encountered but the lads seemed ready to roll up their sleeves and deal with the conditions

In the first 10 minutes of the match facing a stiff breeze it became clear that Naas were the stronger team technically. Jamie Byrnes and Fabio very strong in the midfield engine room during this period looking to link with Roddy Cummins and Dylan Hynes on the wings and Conor Gillespie upfront at every opportunity

Although Naas were on top throught the 1st Half the team were struggling to create any clear cut chances. At the other end we were conceding quite a few corners with our goal never coming under any real threat

As the 2nd half started Naas were again the better side and some good play finally created a good opening when Dara o Shea forced the Wicklow Rovers keeper into a very good save. Dara had picked up a knee injury in the match warm up and while clearly not in position to move as freely as usual was as always carrying an attacking threat in this period

The one moment of real danger for Naas came shortly after from another set piece where the ball arrived to be met with a free header by the Wicklow Rovers player who fortunately from a Naas perspective directed the ball over our Crossbar

Team Captain Sean Durnin was having a very strong match at Centre Back as the half progressed cutting out a lot of Wicklow moves and driving his team forward.

However it was hard to escape the feeling at this stage of the match it was going to take a moment of quality for Naas to open the scoring. Following some terrific work from Jayden O Sullivan in winning back possession in midfield and then providing a nice pass to Dylan Hynes on the left wing a moment of real class arrived

Dylan cut in off the left wing and delivered a rocket of a shot from circa 25 yards into the top left hand corner of the net. A fabulous strike from a player who has consistently performed very strongly for the team so far this season

Naas now really upped their level and a few minutes later after the keeper had lost control of the ball after collecting inside his box Conor Gillespie was sharply on to it and after playing the ball towards the empty net had the legs swept from under him by the keeper

To everyone's amazement the ref failed to point to the penalty spot and awarded a corner

The Naas players in a very acceptable manner demanded an explanation from the ref who advised he could not see the lines in the penalty box so could not award a penalty. Sean Cooke very reasonably asked why would he need to see lines as his team mate was taken out 12 yards from the goals so it could only be a penalty

Naas continued to move forward and shortly after we thought Naas had a 2nd goal. Sean Cooke climbed brilliantly to head home a Roddy Cummins cross from the right wing.

Our much respected Coaches colleague and friend who will from now on be known as (St) Gerry Walsh brought to the referees attention that in the build up to the goal the ball had gone out for a throw

Gerry's call was correct and despite some very poor calls of a home town nature going against our team during the game it was positive and important that our own standards were maintained by Gerry.

Sean Cooke does deserve another mention for the determination shown to find the net with his header

Shortly after Naas were at it again and by now Senan (Florian) Browne and Jayden o Sullivan along with Roddy Cummins, Dylan Hynes, Sean Cooke and Conor Gillespie were all carrying real threat in attack

In the final couple of minutes Conor Gillespie was very unlucky to see a well struck shot come back off the inside of the post

Naas continued to keep Wicklow penned into their own defensive area and shortly after the final whistle blew

A very well deserved win for Naas and we now look forward to a 3rd Round tie away to Portumna from Co Galway which we anticipate will be scheduled for Saturday November 8th we will keep everyone posted in good time

This group are now really coming together as a team. While they can play a lot better overall than they did today it is clear these group of young men are becoming a very united unit who will really roll up their sleeves for each other

Best for Naas today were

Dylan Hynes

Senan Browne

Jayden o Sullivan

Sean Durnin

Jamie Byrnes

by Fran G