Boys U12 (2014) Red - Naas United
With the season kneeling to a close, this tie had all the hallmarks of dead rubber with both sides languishing at the wrong end of the table! However, a local derby can always throw up a few surprises regardless. Not to mention John’s promise of a tray of Coca Cola (original - none of your zero stuff) at training next week if the lads secured a win.
In terms of surprises, the lads first had to deal with a diminished squad operating with the bare minimum! To their credit, the lads locked in and solidified eager to finish their season on a high.
Captain Sam won the toss and opted to take kick off in the first half. The lads lined up in familiar fashion with the only major decision seeing John line up right wing with Adi behind him at the back.
Both sides felt each other out in the early stages but the lads soon gained the upper hand with Jamie orchestrating proceedings in the centre if the park. Logan led the line in a role he has played so well when called upon throughout the season.
It was those pair who eventually linked up to create the opener when a mazy run from Jamie allowed him square it to Logan who made no mistake from a few yards out. A deserved lead for the lads.
One soon became two when the dynamic duo linked up again 5 mins later. This time Logan’s pinpoint pass found Jamie who made no mistake despite having a defender and goalkeeper to beat!
With a two goal lead, the lads eased off the gas which allowed our neighbours get back in the game. Matthew had to be alert on several occasions while Sam made a series of unbelievable tackles while up against a very good player in the United forward line.
While it was Jamie creating the headlines, his midfield partner Eoin was also having an excellent game winning tackles and playing some lovely passesas we searched for more goals. John was particularly busy & ran non stop the whole half. On the other side, Alfie too was terrific and relished his battle against United’s right full.
Keeper Conall had a quiet half though his footwork and distribution were incredible particularly as the pitch was more like a potato patch than playing field. On more than one occasion he found the ball at his feet under pressure but nothing phased him (a better man than me for sure).
All things considered, the lads were good value for their 2-0 lead at half time.
With no scope for major surgery, the lads Started the second half as they finished the first, in terms of personnel anyway.
United came out the stronger & put the lads under pressure from the start with Sam making several saving tackles early in the half.
United soon reduced the deficit when they headed home a corner early in the half. 10/10 for the delivery & execution but 0/10 for the lads’ organisation & defence in the scenario.
With that goal, a sense of deja vu crept given we have found ourselves in similar circumstances previously. As a consequence, the next 5-10 mins were quite tense with the ball spending a lot of time up in the air as it was lumped end to end.
United looked the more dangerous until Adi (quiet up to this point) restored the 2 goal cushion with a daisy cutter from a John Healy throw (supported by some guidance from Paddy Bough) on the far sideline!
That goal saw the game swing back in favour of the lads and it was relatively plain sailing from there on in. Both teams created a few half chances in the final 10 mins with Matthew’s audacious lob off the ring wing coming closest.
Alfie enjoyed a good bit of play down the left wing throughout the half while also attending to his defensive duties out of possession. Likewise, Eoin was very solid in the centre dictating play and encouraging the lads when the pressure came on.
In the end, the lads were certainly good value for the win and can go on to the final game of the season on a high.
