Boys U12 (2014) Red - BBC United
High off the back of last week’s smash & grab victory over Clane, the lads were well up for their second league game of the season albeit missing 5 players!!!
With so many absent, we were pleased to welcome 3 recruits from the U11 ranks; Jack, Robert & Raphael.
The new look team started well on a pitch that resembled the Burren (with dandelions) playing up the hill in the first half. With some new faces, different positions and some hot morning sun the lads gave a good account of themselves.
BBC Utd, themselves on a good run with 2 wins from 2 before today, also looked like a side well up for it testing the Naas defence early on. Matthew, Sam and Logan had to be on their toes to make some early clearance.
There was little the lads could do mid way through the half when the tricky BBC forward broke through on the right side and was taken down by a Naas leg! The coaching team on the line had ther money on Conall to make the save especially when the referee counted out a serious number of steps with the spot seemingly closer to the halfway line than the goal line! However, the BBC player stepped up and cooly converted to the keeper’s right.
Despite the set back, Naas heads remained up and we were still seeing plenty of the ball. A Naas corner from the far side was met by Robert who went agonisingly close with his connection. Raphael worked hard to break down the play through the middle; again in an unfamiliar role! Geo too saw plenty of possession and worked tirelessly to create chances on goal all the while playing in an unfamiliar central role. Sean was also proving a nuisance getting on the end of some long clearances.
Further disaster struck for Naas just before half time as Eoin had to leave the game following a heavy challenge on the far side. All of a sudden, we were running on close to empty! The lads held on to finish the half a goal behind.
Naas came out for the second half with the bit between their teeth Jack and Matthew switched sides at full back and Eoin returned to the game in an effort to run off the knock.
For a while it looked as though Naas’ perseverance was about to pay off particularly with Conall’s long kicks causing bother for the BBC back line. Sam continued to marshall the back line with great diligence performing several clearances & tackles to keep the margin at 1.
Naas’ best chance came from a passage of play down the right side where a cross from Matthew found Logan at the far post whose volley smashed the cross bar!
Naas continued to apply the pressure with half chances falling to Geo, Sean and Robert however it was BBC who found the net next following some good play to beat the Naas offside trap. 2-0 with about 10 mins to play.
By this stage, Eoin had to come off again and the 9 guys played their absolute socks off to try and snatch something- not once allowing their heads drop. Alas, it was not to be and BBC were good value for their win!
If results were awarded on effort alone, it would have been full points to Naas with the lads working so so hard throughout. Special credit to the 3 lads playing up who all put in a hell of a shift. Jack had the toughest job on the pitch in the second half & I reckon Robert would still be running only the ref blew the final whistle. Raphael was solid throughout making a flurry of tackles and passes while trying to unlock a resolute BBC back line.
We dust ourselves off and go again next week…
