Boys U12 (2014) Red - Arlington AFC
The lads made the arduous trip to Arlington on a damp and dreary morning hoping to get their season back on track after a tough few weeks.
The last meeting between these two sides was a tight affair where Arlington picked our pockets in a 2-1 defeat at our place at the end of last season. Today represented an opportunity to exact revenge and it couldnt have been scripted any better.
Playing up the hill in the first half, Naas struggled to get a foothold in the game and at times it felt as though Arlington had an extra man as they swarmed the centre of the park and swept up every loose ball. The Naas backline of John, Sam and Matthew had to be at their best to keep the ball away from goal with safe hands, Conal called into action several times in the half. However, their resolve was eventually broken after about 20 mins when Arlington opened the score with a shot from just outside the box.
At the other end, Naas continued to battle hard with Leo proving a constant threat in just his second game for the team. Eoin, Geo, Logan, Adi and Alfie battled tirelessly in the centre of the park in an effort to create something for Sean up top.
The second half started off as a cagey affair. Arlington, still with their noses in front, played like a team experienced in playing up that hill applying hugh pressure on the Naas defence. For a period of about 10 mins, aided by several softer than soft free kicks, it looked like a second Arlington goal was inevitable. However, Eoin had other ideas and came very close to an equaliser with a long range effort striking the bar.
The near miss along with some fresh legs saw Naas come to life and apply some pressure of our own eventually forcing a corner on the near side. Up stepped Eoin again to deliver an excellent cross to the centre of the box. After a bit of a scramble Adi smashed the ball towards goal only to be thwarted by a block on the line. Thankfully, Sam was on hand to bang in the rebound for his second goal of the season!
Both sides traded blows for the remainder of the game with Geo and Leo continuously causing problems for the Arlington defence from wide positions. Sean worked hard to get on the ball and drive the team forward from the front while Alfie and Adi enjoyed control in the centre of the park. Logan, as always, gave everything playing in multiple positions throughout the game.
At the back, Conall controlled his penalty area like a seasoned pro always looking comfortable with the ball in his hands and at his feet. Matthew and John at full back were brilliant as always - both played with an aura of calmess within the chaos & the latter fully controlled his side of the pitch as the game went on. Sam was excellent in the centre and impressed with his dribbling skills as he fought to keep the ball away from our goal.
Naas pushed for a winner creating some half chances and winning several (soft) free kicks and corners however it wasnt until the dying seconds that the reward came. Eoin picked up a loose ball just outside the area and burst into the box - through some great skill and a bit of fortune, he found himself 1 v 1 with the keeper and made no mistake in finding the net sending the Naas side line into hysteria.
The ref blew for full time almost immediately from the restart and the lads were fully deserved of their second win of the season. I think its fair to say there was a wave of relief from the coaches and supporters on the line in seeing the lads get some reward for all their hard work. They have had games like that go the other way a few times previous but always dust themselves down and go again.
Next up, another away day versus a strong Kildare Town side next Saturday!
