Boys U13 (2013) Premier - Kill Celtic Premier
A damp morning and rock hard bumpy pitch meant a fast game in Kilcock Celtic for Naas v Kill Celtic in the U13 KDUL Cup Final. The game kicked off late as the previous game went extra time. Naas settled well and didn’t give their opponents any time on the ball. There was nothing between the teams. Kill forced a few corners and Naas had some free kicks from distance but not many clear cut chances. Naas were awarded a long distance free kick which had been won by some great pressing by Hin Ngo that lead to Jamie Dunphy shooting. The Kill keeper spilled it and Frankie O’Leary was first to react and clipped the ball over the keeper into the net. No more than Naas deserved.
The Naas back four of Max Kennedy, Jamie Dunphy, Callum Hartigan and Chris Sheridan were steadfast and were ably helped by Peter McBride and Jason Gleeson in the centre of the park in front of them. As the ref blew for half time Naas lead 1-0.
Just two minutes into the second half and another superbly delivered Kill Celtic corner was flicked on at the near post and nodded in at the back post to level the game. Both sides had a couple of chances to go ahead in the second half but the Naas defence stood firm with everyone contributing to the defensive cause. Steven Zhang, Sergiu Serbu again on loan from the U12s came in to help along with Oscar Ross and Charlie O’Connor.
Level at full time meant two ten minute halves of extra time. A big chance for Naas fell to Oscar Ross up front which was well saved after the initial error by the Kill keeper. With just minutes left in extra time Kill were awarded a penalty but their number 9 put it over the bar.
On to the dreaded penalties and Naas sent the same lads forward that had got them to the final the previous week. Unfortunately the Kill keeper had the measure of a couple of our takers and Kill edged a really good game winning 4-3 on penalties.
The Naas lads should have their chests out and head held high. Kill had beaten them well already four times this season as well as last year so this result has hopefully broken the fear that our lads have when they play Kill. In the last three weeks alone they have played the best three teams in the premier division and not been beaten in normal time. That’s something for them to build on next season.
The coaches are very proud of every single player in this group for how hard they’ve worked this season. Sometimes you have to lose a final to learn how to win one. Hopefully we can finish the league off with a couple of wins before a well earned break.
