Boys U12 (2014) Red - Caragh Celtic
After a number of tricky fixtures on the road, the lads were delighted to see a home game in the calendar this weekend. They were also delighted to see a bit of sunshine as they hoped to return to winning ways following last weeks defeat in miserable conditions!
With the game barely underway Naas were forced into early change after Alfie came off the worse of a challenge in the middle of the park. Luckily, we had an eager and enthusiastic replacement, Robert from the U11s, ready to go to battle.
The early stages of the game was relatively back & forth as both teams sized each other up. Naas were probably slightly more “at it” with Conall’s long kicks giving Caragh plenty to think about while the back 3 of John, Sam and Matthew dealt with everything Caragh threw at them.
It was that man Sam who created one of the best chances of the half when he burst through the field from his own penalty area all the way into the Caragh box. Unfortunately the end ball didnt find a blue shirt but a massive sign of intent from Naas.
At the other end, Conall had to be alert to make an excellent save in a 1v1 scenario when Caragh looked certain to take the lead! Moments later, he did the same again to keep the score level.
With half time approaching, “safe hands” himself landed a goal kick deep in the opposition half sending Geo on his way towards goal. Geo worked hard to beat his man and dribble in from the right; more fancy footwork allowed Geo to beat his man again and shift the ball onto his favoured right foot before smashing the ball past the keeper to put Naas ahead!!! No more than both Geo and Naas deserved….the referee blew for half time almost immediately from the restart and we were ahead at the break!
Naas started the second half full of beans and had Caragh under pressure from the outset. Logan produced one of the best early chances when he burst down the left wing into the Caragh box before seeing his shot saved by the keeper with the resultant rebound blocked on the line as Sean tried to turn it in.
Robert and the fit again Alfie ran the centre of the park making tackle after tackle and serving a number of excellent passes in an effort to extend the lead. Caragh defended well however and for all their possession and chances, Naas were frustrated in their efforts.
Sam, excellent throughout, marshalled the defence keeping both Adi and Raphael in check and ensuring Conall had very little to do as the second half went on.
Having worked so hard, Naas eventually managed to extend their lead following some excellent work in the middle of the park which sent Robert on his way. With only the keeper to beat, he made no mistake lashing it in to the roof of the net giving Naas that breathing room they needed to see the game through.
Credit to Caragh however as they did not lie down targeting the Naas full backs as they tried get back in the game. Their efforts forced several throw ins and corners on either side before the eventually found their reward down the right side.
Taking advantage of some tired Naas legs and heads, the Caragh winger managed to take the ball from the corner all the way into the box skipping past some tired challenges before sending the ball toward goal and with the help of a little deflection and possibly the back of the defenders head, it was 2-1 and Caragh were back in the game.
Both sides kept at it for the remainder of the game however with the starting backline soon restored a Caragh equaliser looked unlikely. The only major drama thereafter was the referee (who was decent throughout) blowing for a foul throw against Naas having allowed dozens during the game (in the interest of learning and development). Thankfully the final whistle went shortly thereafter and Naas took all 3 pts!
The win was no more than the lads deserved battling tirelessly throughout and showing tremendous effort and enthusiasm week after week. Big shout out to Robert and Rapheal for helping us out on the day too. We go again next week in the cup, against Newbridge Utd (Premier)
