Boys U12 (2014) Red - Monasterevin AFC

A depleted but determined side traveled to Monasterevin for a tricky tie in the July heat. Buoyed by last week’s terrific performance in the Shield, the lads were hopeful of getting the job done!

At the back, Conall was restored to duty despite last week’s clean sheet with Alfie, Matthew and Adi in front of him. Leo, Jamie, Murilo & Geo were charged with marshalling midfield while Sean led the line up top!

A repeat of last week’s mauling looked like it might be on the cards when, with under 2 mins gone, Jamie burst through the Monasterevin defence to put the lads ahead.

Shortly thereafter, Geo found himself in acres of space. With the goal at his mercy, the keeper somehow managed to keep out his low drive.

The lads continued to heap pressure on the Monasterevin defence albeit riding our luck at times.

Matthew, playing in an unfamiliar central role, marshalled the defence like an impenetrable wall quashing wave after wave of attacks. Alfie, playing in defence for the first time, and Adi either side of him both working tirelessly to protect the goal.

Despite the lads’ efforts, Monasterevin soon found themselves on level terms taking full advantage of a counter attack stemming from a wayward Naas pass/back heel on the edge of the Monasterevin box.

The lads soon found themselves chasing the game when Monasterevin took the lead after Naas failed to clear a throw in on the half way line. The ball found its way through to the right winger who ran through and finished well past Conall.

After such a bright start, the lads found themselves in choppy water and had to battle hard to get back in the game. Conall’s distribution was a constant source of opportunity and the midfield of Murilo, Jamie, Geo & Leo chased every ball in an effort to create something for Sean.

It was eventually Murilo who levelled matters just before the break when he burst into the Monasterevin box and fired past the keeper.

The ref blew for HT shortly thereafter with the game tied at 2-2.

The second half was a tense ding dong battle. With the lads’ legs tiring and no subs on the line, they knew they would have to draw on all their might if they wanted to go on and win the game.

It was Monastervin who almost drew first blood in search of another goal when the afters of a corner pinballed towards the goal only to be saved by Murilo on the line (yes, you read that correctly). Despite everyone in Barrett Park stopping in anticipation of a sure penalty, the whistle never came and Naas were off the hook!

Leo was a constant nuisance of himself out on the left wing early in the half - neither of the two Monastevin markers knew what to do with him as he drove towards goal winning several corners along the way!

At the other end, Conall & Co had to be sharp to keep 2 close range free kicks out - the second of which brushed the post. Conall was called to action again tipping over a lovely effort after Monastervin found space down our right side - he made the save before the ref blew for offside so credit to him! Matthew, Adi & Alfie fought through tired bodies to shut down the Monasterevin attack and keep their best player, no. 7 under wraps.

The midfield upped the ante as the half wore on and Jamie was beginning to boss the game; including a terrific challenge on their main man, no. 7!

Indeed it was that man Jamie who came closest to putting the lads ahead when he broke the offside and burst through on goal - his smashing effort was well saved and looked to have dropped into the net to put Naas ahead.

Unfortunately the ref deemed him to be over zealous in his efforts and “after review…” gave a free out! Perhaps this was somewhat just given the penalty shout at the other end….

Naas had further chances to steal the win with Sean smashing the cross bar from close range.

With both the temperature and sideline heating up, the ref blew the whistle to end the game. Despite the lads’ best efforts, the game ended 2-2. Arguably a fair result in the circumstances but the lads had the chances to kill the game.

Credit to all the lads for their trojan effort throughout the game & thanks as always to the parents / supporters on the line who cheer the lads on week in week out.

We go again on Tuesday, away to Caragh which will be our last game until early August owing to the Summer break!