Boys U15 (2011) Premier - Rathangan

The squad arrived in Rathangan in good time and to much improved weather conditions for the match. Having lost 4-3 to Rathangan in the league last week the team were focused and ready to turnaround this previous result

Naas started the fixture on the front foot. Once again the central midfield partnership of Jamie Byrnes and Fabio Kolakowski were setting the tone. This has been commented on regularly on our match reports and both players were outstanding throughout the match. Young men with super attitudes in training and in general who deliver week in week out.

Naas had managed a few strikes on goal by the 20th minute without seriously testing the Rathangan keeper. On the next play Dara o Shea came wide on the right and following a brilliant driving run showing real pace and determination he went by two Rathangan defenders. He then squared the ball across the penalty box which was met with a good lay off by Senan Browne to Conor Gillespie who finished clinically to the bottom right hand corner of the net from 11 yards.

This was no more than Naas deserved and for the next 15 minutes up to half time Dara o Shea, Conor Gillespie and Roddy Cummins were causing the Rathangan defence all sorts of problems in attack. In defence Henry Walsh was another top performer showing great composure on the ball and playing some telling passes to his teammates in space to start attacks.

A nice move again in the 25th minute set Dara o Shea away and he showed great composure to finish neatly to make it 2-0. Naas were really playing lovely flowing football by this point

The lads continued to set a high tempo despite being met with some very heavy tackles which we were very disappointed the referee was not taking stronger action against. 2 tackles on Dara o Shea in particular should both have been met with yellow cards.

Dara was unlucky not to add further goals before half time but the Rathangan goalkeeper must take credit for a couple of very good saves.

At Half time we asked the team to continue playing the same brand of football in the 2nd half.

The second half started with Naas again playing most of the football and Rathangan were now bringing real physicality to the match. Jamie and Fabio along with Dara and Conor upfront were showing real bravery in controlling the ball, keeping possession and maintaining composure during this period.

Chances were at a premium for both sides as the second half progressed with Naas managing the game very well. We thought the referee had awarded Dara o Shea a penalty when he pointed to the spot but then awarded a goal kick.

With 10 minutes to go and neither Naas Goalkeeper Alec Walsh or Ksawery having made a save of note a very soft penalty was awarded to Rathangan. One of their attacking players going away from goal made the most of a challenge and the ref gave a penalty. The Rathangan striker took the penalty very well to make it 2-1

Naas should have been out of sight by this time but now had to roll up the sleeves which they did collectively. Dara o Shea was again unlucky not to score when a header went just over the bar as a Dylan Hynes shot rebounded from the goalkeeper

Rathangan kept driving long balls forward but our defence stood strong with Tyler Gleeson and Ilya Cerepanovs both performing strongly in this period

The match ended with a Dara o Shea strike on goal from a free kick with the final whistle blowing very shortly after

A very good Naas performance which should have lead to a more comfortable victory than the scoreline suggests.

We move on to a 4th round tie with Kilcock at home which will be much anticipated and looked forward to by all the players

In the meantime the team will prepare for an important home league fixture against Kilcullen next Saturday

Best for Naas today were

Dara o Shea

Fabio Kolakowski

Jamie Byrnes

Conor Gillespie

Roddy Cummins

Henry Walsh

by Fran G.