Boys U12 (2014) Red - Prosperous United

The lads couldnt have asked for a better (or worse) game to kick start proceedings after the short summer break - away to runaway league leaders, Prosperous United.

The earlier meeting between the sides saw Prosperous come out on top but it was a close game for the most part. The lads welcomes the opportunity to test themselves against this side again particularly the newer guys, Leo, Alfie and Jamie who didnt feature last time out.

The game couldnt have got off to a worse start for the lads finding ourselves behind inside 2 mins through an own goal following a defensive mishap! It took a while for the team to find some rhythm after this especially while trying to juggle 5 subs on the line (its always either a feast or a famine)!!!

The lads best chance of the half fell to Aronas who shot narrowly wide following good work in the box by Sean!

At the other end, Conall welcomed the return of John, Sam and Matthew and the fiery foursome soon found some rhythm after the early set back.

In the middle, Eoin commanded proceedings alongside Jamie with Geo and Leo on either wing. Murilo, who started as the lone striker, played several positions throughout.

Logan, Adi, Aronas & Alfie made up the squad and all contributed throughout a testing first half in the afternoon heat.

A couple of changes at half time saw a slightly different team take to the field in the second half but the lada got stuck in from the get go.

We were probably the better side for much of the second half as the lads battled hard to get back in the game. Geo was unlucky in trying to turn a Leo (or maybe Logan) cross into the goal.

Despite frequent changes, the lads kept the Prosperous charge at bay until another ball over the top caught the defence. Keeper Conall was unlucky to see the ball slip away from him and all of a sudden the lads were 2-0, against the run of play, with it all to do.

True to form, the lads rose to the challenge giving Prosperous the fright of their lives through the last quarter of the game. Murilo, in the centre now, worked hard to create a chance which ultimately fell to Sean who made no mistake in blasting it by the goalie. 2-1, game on with over 10 mins to go.

The remainder of the game was all Naas with various combinations of midfield, wingers and defenders taking turns to run at the Prosperous defence. Prosperous looked to be shaking as they gave away a few set pieces in dangerous areas as the game drew to a close.

The last passage of play saw a dangerous Eoin free kick parried back into the danger zone for the lads to win a corner - all the while under the drone of Prosperous coaching team calling for the final whistle/bell!!! While the corner was expertly delivered, it flashed across the goal and 8 of 9 Naas players who had taken up position in the box - opportunity lost and with it came the final whistle.

While the result may be a hard one to take, there were plenty of positives to take from the game as we go into the final stage of the season! The lads wont feat Kilcock in the Shield on Tuesday evening and after that who knows….: