Boys U12 (2014) Major - Killcullen United

Naas made the trip to Kilcullen on a dreary evening for a highly anticipated KDUL Shield quarter-final clash, with both teams knowing that victory would secure their place in the semi-finals. Naas and Kilcullen started brightly, with both sides getting stuck in from the off. Naas applied the early pressure and were rewarded with a corner. GOAL – Naas, 4 minutes: 0–1. Alex S delivered a quality corner from the left. The ball evaded everyone in the box and curled perfectly into the bottom-right corner. Both sides continued to attack, but the Naas defence of Alex K, Darragh P and Bobby stood firm. Kilcullen looked well up for the fight, suggesting that the Naas midfield of James, Max, Eoghan and Matthew were going to have a tough day at the office, however, they quickly settled into the game and began to impose themselves. Their efforts were rewarded in the 15th minute. GOAL – Naas, 15 minutes: 0–2. This was a top-class team goal. James won the ball in the centre of the park and played it to Max. Max returned the ball to James in space, and James brilliantly evaded his marker before setting up Alex S. Alex ran between two defenders and calmly scooped the ball into the right-hand corner of the net. Despite the scoreline, Kilcullen continued to look dangerous. They were beginning to win more possession in midfield and were putting Naas under increasing pressure. Naas absorbed the pressure well and continued to transition the ball from the backs out to the wings. Eoghan and Matthew delivered a number of dangerous balls into the box, but Naas couldn't quite capitalise on them. Eventually, Kilcullen's pressure paid off, with two goals coming in quick succession. The first came from open play. Kilcullen's midfield, which was starting to get the better of Naas, played the ball forward. Their forward turned the Naas defence inside out before calmly slotting the ball home, giving Evan no chance. Kilcullen then equalised just before half-time after winning a corner. They delivered a dangerous ball into the box, which was met by a Killcullen header that crashed off the post. Kilcullen reacted quickest to the rebound and hammered the ball home. Naas had switched off at a crucial moment. We went into half-time at 2–2. From a spectator's point of view, it had been an excellent spectacle — four goals, plenty of attacking football and a real nail-biter of a first half.

The second half began with Naas on the back foot. Buoyed by their two quick goals before half-time, Kilcullen came out looking to turn the screw and put Naas under even more pressure. Their pressure paid off. GOAL – Kilcullen, 37 minutes: 3–2. A well-worked move starting deep in their own defence saw the ball played out to the right wing. The Kilcullen winger got the better of two Naas players before setting up their forward, who finished with precision to put Kilcullen ahead for the first time. Naas now chasing the game had to dig deep but started to find their rhythm. Max, James and Seb started winning the midfield battles and feeding the ball out to the wings. Kilcullen were struggling to contain the threat coming from both channels. Eoghan was finding some excellent form on the left, repeatedly taking on and beating his marker, while Matthew was running riot down the right. Naas were now banging on the door, and Kilcullen were scrambling to keep them at bay. Eoghan had two excellent chances to bring Naas level. The first was set up by Alex S, while the second came from a great ball from the right wing by Matthew. On both occasions, however, the effort went narrowly wide. But the equaliser was coming. GOAL – Naas, 50 minutes: 3–3. Naas were putting Kilcullen under relentless pressure, and eventually a rushed defensive clearance went straight off Alex S as he closed down the defender. Alex reacted brilliantly, controlling the ball before calmly slotting it home to bring Naas level. Kilcullen were reeling, but they refused to give up — a real testament to the quality and character of their team. They immediately created another excellent opportunity, winning a free and delivering a dangerous ball into the box. The Kilcullen striker controlled the ball, side-stepping the Naas defence before getting his shot away. Thankfully, Matthew tracked back and threw out an outstretched leg and managed to deflect the effort behind for a corner. As the clock ticked towards full-time, Naas created one final opportunity. Bobby won the ball brilliantly in defence and played it into Seb in midfield. Seb beat his man before finding James on the wing, who then picked out Alex in attack. Alex held the ball up superbly and laid it off to Matthew. Matthew beat his man and got his effort away, but unfortunately, it drifted just wide. The final whistle went with the scores level at 3–3. After a thrilling game of football, with both teams giving their all, it was time for penalties.

Penos

Peno’s kick-off with Naas first up.

Matthew steps up but unfortunately misses. Thankfully, Evan steps up with an unreal save to keep it at 0–0.

Alex K then steps up and calmly scores, with Kilcullen converting their penalty — 1–1.

Max steps up and scores, and Kilcullen convert again — 2–2.

Eoghan is next and absolutely hammers it into the top-right corner. Super confident finish. Kilcullen dispatch their penalty, leaving it all square at 3–3.

James steps up and scores, and then another unreal save from Evan puts Naas 4–3 ahead.

Conor steps up knowing that if he scores, Naas are into the semi-finals. He makes absolutely no mistake, powering it home and sending the Naas team into a frenzy! Final score on penalties: Naas 5–3 Kilcullen.

What an absolute belter of a game!

There were passages of play where Naas lost focus, allowing Kilcullen back into the game, but the team showed real character, determination and composure to level the game and ultimately win it on penalties.

An unreal performance from the team and a huge step up from the Clane Utd game on Saturday. This is exactly the kind of momentum and confidence we can build on as we face Naas UTS in the league on Saturday.

Man of the Match: Alex S

Stats:

I have been tracking the team stats across all competitions, this year todate we have 45 goals and 23 assists! 🔥

These numbers really highlight how well the team is performing, but more importantly, how everyone is supporting and contributing to each other’s success. The goals and assists are being shared across the team, showing the teamwork, selflessness and togetherness that is driving these impressive stats.

Well done, lads — brilliant performance today and keep up the good work ⚽️👏