Boys U12 (2014) Red - Naas United
Following last week’s defeat in the cup, the lads returned to league action with a local derby against Naas Utd.
Both sides were eager to take the bragging rights in conditions that were more akin to Winter than the sunny clims we have been used to over the past week.
The lads played against the strong breeze in the first half getting stuck in from start and fighting off waves of Naas attacks. Conall marshalled the defence well sweeping up the ball over the top while also demonstrating his excellent kicking to try launch some attacks of our own.
The lads had some luck down the right side with both Leo & Logan coming close having worked hard to get in the box. Jamie also had the Naas keeper sweating with a dipping effort midway through the half. Arguably the best chance of the half came from a long kick over the top which sailed over the Naas keeper’s head however Eoin couldnt reach the loose ball with his claims for a penalty waved away.
With the sides level at half time, the game plan for the second half was simple - keep it tight at the back but attack attack attack at the other end!
The lads started the half well however Murilo & Adi both had to be sharp to protect the goal. Sam was excellent as always in marshalling the back line.
Eoin & Jamie were strong in the centre and certainly keeping Naas on their toes as they pressed the kick outs in an effort to release Sean up top!
With the hard work & effort starting to pay off , Jamie won a free kick in a dangerous position early in the half. Eoin was unlucky in seeing his effort go wide!
The lads continued to press and press trying to break the deadlock. Various subs and shapes were trialled in an effort to manage game time & try some different things ahead of a busy few weeks.
The Naas left back was arguably the busiest man on the pitch in the second half keeping both Matthew and Geo at bay while also expertly covering the front post on corners! It was Matthew who created the best chance of the half from an unusual position out on the right wing - having seen an earlier effort flash across the goal unchallenged he decided to have a go himself the next time - unfortunately for him the Naas goalie, sporting a retro Man Utd shirt with Schmeichel on the back, was ever shade of his hero in tipping it over the bar.
The lads continued to throw the kitchen sink at Naas with Geo, Alfie and Sean all joining the attack at different stages! They won corners & throws while applying an incredible degree of pressure on the Naas goal. Unfortunately the ball just would not go in and after a couple mins of added time, the ref blew the final whistle, 0-0.
The frustration was definitely evident at the end but the lads are a resilient bunch and will keep at it ahead of next weekend’s trip to Sallins in the shield.
