Boys U13 (2013) Major 1 - Rathangan FC

A Game of Two Halves

A first half of hard work, solid pressing, and some excellent football was followed by a second half to forget for the Naas boys today, as they fell to a disappointing defeat against Rathangan.

Despite conceding an early goal due to a defensive error, Naas responded impressively.

Settling quickly into the game, they began to dominate possession and create chances.

Standout performances from Con O’Brien, Antoni Karpierz, Woody McConnon, Adam Zawierucha, Odhran Coultry, Conor Hogan, and William Jackson helped steady the ship and swing the momentum back in Naas' favour.

Their efforts were rewarded before half-time when Conor Hogan produced a moment of real quality, lobbing the Rathangan goalkeeper from outside the box to bring the sides level.

The teams went into the break at 1-1, with Naas looking the more likely to push on.

However, the second half told a very different story.

The intensity and focus that had defined the opening period were missing after the restart.

A series of individual errors in key areas gifted Rathangan opportunities, and they were quick to capitalise. Two quick goals saw Naas trailing 3-1 after 40 minutes, and despite the best efforts of goalkeeper Daniel O’Connor – who made several outstanding saves – the floodgates opened late on as Rathangan added two more goals to their tally.

It was a disappointing end to a game that had promised so much, but there were positives to take away.

The first-half performance showed the quality and effort that has been built through training, and the players’ commitment in that opening period was commendable.

Going forward, the focus will be on cutting out the costly mistakes and maintaining intensity over the full 60 minutes.

Onwards and upwards – we go again next week.