Boys U12 (2014) Major - Naas united major

It was an early kick-off on Saturday 29th as Naas United travelled to Naas AFC for a highly anticipated U12 Major League clash, with the winner knowing they would move to the top of the table. Both sides were fully aware of the importance of the fixture and were eager to stamp their authority on the game from the opening whistle. Naas AFC started the faster of the two teams and created the first opportunity after just three minutes. Matthew broke down the right and picked out Alex S. Alex got his shot away, but the Naas United goalkeeper was alert to the danger and produced an excellent save. Naas AFC’s early pressure was rewarded just a minute later. GOAL – Naas AFC 1-0 Naas United, 4 mins. Matthew Walsh, assisted by Bobby P.

The ball was won in midfield before Bobby found Matthew in space. Matthew beat his man and fired a low shot into the bottom-left corner, giving the United goalkeeper no chance. Naas AFC continued to threaten, and on six minutes they created another excellent opportunity. Matthew was causing the Naas United defence all sorts of problems down the right and burst onto a misplaced pass, forcing another fine save from the United goalkeeper. Naas AFC were piling on the pressure and, at this stage, could arguably have been three goals ahead had they taken their early chances. However, Naas United responded almost immediately. GOAL – Naas AFC 1-1 Naas United, 7 mins. United broke down the left, with their number 10 showing great pace to beat his man before driving towards the byline. He cut inside and squared the ball across the area, where a United player finished emphatically to bring the scores level. The goal gave Naas United confidence, and they began to take greater control of the game, particularly in midfield. United started to create more opportunities, but the Naas AFC defence of Max, James and Darragh P. remained composed, doing an excellent job of sniffing out danger and keeping the United attack at bay. On 15 minutes, Naas AFC had another great opportunity. AFC won a corner, with Darragh P. delivering an excellent cross into the box. Alex S rose highest but could only direct his header over the bar. Three minutes later, AFC threatened again. Seb won the ball in midfield and quickly transitioned play through to Bobby, who got a shot away, but once again the United goalkeeper was alert and made the save. The final 10 minutes of the first half saw both teams trade attacks as the game became an increasingly competitive midfield battle. Both defences stood firm, however, and neither side could find the breakthrough before the referee brought an entertaining first half to a close. Half Time: Naas AFC 1-1 Naas United. A fast and competitive opening saw both sides create chances, with Naas AFC making the brighter start before United fought their way back into the contest. Everything was set up for an exciting second half.

At half-time, the AFC coaches made a tactical reshuffle to deal with the threat posed by the United left wing. Alex S. dropped back from forward into central midfield, James was tasked with managing United’s dangerous number 10, while Max moved into a more attacking midfield role. For the opening 10 minutes of the second half, the changes paid dividends. James did an excellent job of neutralising United’s attacking threat, allowing AFC to see more of the ball and begin winning more of the midfield duels. It remained an incredibly tight contest, however, with both teams battling hard for what was a hugely important three points. Both sides carved out decent opportunities, but neither defence was willing to give an inch. Max, Jason and Seb worked tirelessly in midfield, constantly tracking back and protecting the back line whenever United threatened. Naas AFC continued to apply pressure, launching wave after wave of attacks. Seb’s long throw-ins provided another valuable attacking outlet, giving Eoghan and Matthew opportunities to run at the United defence and create chances, while also opening up opportunities for Bobby, Conor and Kai. Naas United refused to sit back and continued to create chances of their own, but the AFC defence stood firm. James, in particular, was outstanding, making several crucial last-ditch tackles to keep United at bay. As the game entered its final stages, it was beginning to look increasingly likely that the points would be shared — a result that would have been a fair reflection of a fiercely contested game. Then came the heartbreak. GOAL – Naas AFC 1-2 Naas United, 55 mins With just five minutes remaining, United’s number 10 was involved once again. He delivered a dangerous cross into the box, and for just a moment, AFC switched off. That small lapse allowed a United player to get a free header from point-blank range, leaving Evan with absolutely no chance. It was a huge blow for Naas AFC and came against the run of play, but it also highlighted the quality of the United side — and the level of competition in the Major League. At this level, one small mistake can be punished. Despite the setback, the AFC players showed tremendous character. Heads did not drop, and they continued to push United right up until the final whistle in search of an equaliser. AFC came agonisingly close on 29 minutes — a moment that would have been a fitting way to finish the game. Matthew drifted in from the left, beat several players through the middle and then delivered an excellent cross from the right. Unfortunately, it was just beyond Eoghan, who was unable to get the final touch. A late equaliser would probably have been a fair reflection of the game, but it simply wasn’t to be. Full Time: Naas AFC 1-2 Naas United

It was a difficult result to take, particularly given the effort and performance the team put in. However, there were plenty of positives to take from the game. The quality, determination and character within this group are clear to see. The focus now turns to the remaining seven league games and the Shield semi-final. There is still plenty to play for, and this team has shown that they have the ability to compete at the highest level. We need to regroup, learn from our mistakes and go again. 💪⚽