Boys U12 (2014) Red - Kildare Town
The last game of the season saw Kildare Town visit Naas in a game that was never going to be a dead rubber.
Previous games between the sides have been close affairs and not for the faint hearted. A draw earlier in the season was probably a fair result but both sides would be eager to end their campaign with a win.
The lads had the better of the opening stages passing the ball well and having the better of the duels against the Kildare attackers.
Captain Sam marshalled the defence well with Matthew and Adi either side of him. Conall behind them had very little to do early on beyond launching some attacks with his impressive kicking skills.
In the middle, Eoin lead the line with Messrs Healy & Killilea seeing plenty of the ball on both wings as the half progressed. Up top, Logan was once again deployed in the lone striker role - one of many roles he played over the course of the game.
Kildare opted to attack down their right side (our left) in the first half but had limited success as Matthew and Sam worked hard to protect the goal. That said, Sam was incredibly fortunate to see the referee point to the corner flag after he body checked Kildare’s no. 7 (more about him later) in the box - thankfully the enthusiastic lino (Darragh O Toole) was out of position too as he would surely have put the flag across his chest such was the nature of the challenge.
The introduction of Geo and Murilo midway through the half was intended to try and break the deadlock particularly where the lads were seeing lots of possession in the final third only for some poor touches and tippy tappy stuff see them undone! It wasnt until Eoin let fly that the Kildare goalie realised he was in a game.
Eoin was again involved when he delivered a tough tackle on the Kildare winger that had their sideline seething in rage.
Geo’s footwork on the left was excellent and would have undoubtedly caused more issues on another day however Kildare too had a resolute full back who wasnt at all interested in giving anything way.
All that said, it was that man Geo who provided the magic needed when he lofted a lovelt ball into the box just before half time; which was ultimately turned home to open the scoring.
At the break, there was no requirement for major surgery after such a dominant first half though an injury to John did force a change with Adi going back in at right full.
On the other side line, Kildare did do some surgery of their own moving their danger man (no 7) on to the opposite flank for the second having not gotten a sniff from Sam and Matthew in the first half.
This turned out to be a master stroke (for them anyway) as the sides were level within 5 mins of restart. After a couple of initial scares were dealt with well by Adi, a third ball over the top found the danger man in acres of space & he made no mistake in firing past the helpless Conall. Despite some cries for offside, the referee’s assistant (Mr O Toole) kept his flag down and more importantly the referee kept her whistle in hand and the goal stood.
Cue some surgery of our own tasking Sam with putting manners on no. 7 and Murilo dropping in to centre half, a role he has done well in over the season.
In fairness, the lads’ kept going and Leo in particular was excellent in his endeavours down our right hand side. He had the better of his opponent with quick feet and lightning speed & linked up well with Eoin throughout the half. Eoin too was excellent and was a shining example of what hard practice can do showcasing his ability to use both feet as he hurled ball after ball towards the Kildare goal. Unfortunately, we were unable to turn home any of the chances created despite coming agonisingly close (within a toenail).
As has been the case time and again this season, the lads were hit by a sucker punch when Kildare took the lead midway through the half. The lads failed to deal with a corner which floated over a ducked head to the far post landing at the feet of no.7 again; this time he shifted right and fired past Conall (who made his thoughts known in the immediate aftermath).
The remainder of the half was an epic contest with both sides battling hard. Each of Geo, Logan, Murilo and John battled hard to force an equaliser putting their bodies (& eyes) on the line the opposition half. Despite coming close, it just wasnt to be and Kildare managed to add a third right at the death when a long ball over the too wasnt dealt with and no. 7 (again!) ran through and smashed home.
As the final whistle went, the lads were understandably dejected having again lost a game from which they deserved more. If points were dished out for effort and determination, this side would be second to none. Any immediate disappointment was soon forgotten when John (good to his word) produced a dozen cans of Coca Cola (original obvs) along with a variety of other goodies to mark the end of the season!
The lads finish the season in mid-table, an outcome that barely tells the story of the challenge they faced from day one. Having lost several key players before a ball was kicked and operating with a threadbare squad for much of the campaign, they were asked to compete in a division that was arguably above their level (with thanks to KDUL) given the circumstances. It was a difficult assignment from the outset, with the odds stacked firmly against them. Yet, rather than simply making up the numbers, the lads rose to the challenge admirably. They were rarely, if ever, outplayed, pushed some of the strongest teams all the way, and caused plenty of scares along the journey.
Unfortunately, the relentless demands of the season, coupled with the well-known challenges of a summer football schedule (thanks again to KDUL), eventually took their toll. However, results alone should not define what was a hugely commendable effort. The character, commitment and resilience shown by the group across the season were exceptional, and every player should be immensely proud of what they achieved in such difficult circumstances.
Over the course of the campaign, the lads completed 20 matches, 52 training sessions (since March), scored 33 goals, produced 13 different goalscorers, recorded assists from at least five different players (that I can remember), and somehow managed to collect only three yellow cards, some more questionable than others. Given everything they had to contend with, that represents a fantastic effort and a season full of memories that those involved can look back on with real pride.
Thanks to all the lads for their effort and commitment this season. Thanks to the OGs who have been with us for a few years & helped the new lads settle in. Thanks to the new lads who came down and joined the team. Thanks to the U11 players who stepped us and helped us out when we needed them. Thanks to the lads who played out of position & did the jobs that nobody else wanted to do week in week out/ week out. Thanks to the lads who played in their favourite position and never stopped trying.
Finally, a special thanks to the parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts & uncles who have followed us across the county and cheered on every tackle, goal and corner kick along the way!
