Boys U12 (2014) Major - BBC

Naas U12 Major's made the trip to Royal Oak for an early morning clash with BBC. It was a bitterly cold start, with frost blanketing the ground. In fact, it was the first morning of the year that I had to defrost the car, and much like my car, the Naas Majors took about 15 minutes to warm up! GOAL BBC (2 mins) - BBC 1-0 Naas. BBC came flying out of the blocks and put Naas under serious pressure in the opening exchanges. Their bright start was rewarded with an early goal after some excellent play. For much of the first 10 minutes, Naas were struggling to find their rhythm while BBC looked dangerous every time they came forward. They could easily have been three goals ahead were it not for some outstanding saves from Evan. Thankfully, the Tullys had him fully defrosted before kick-off! 🙂Gradually, Naas began to settle. They got on the ball, started moving it with purpose, and created a number of chances, winning back-to-back corners in the process. GOAL NAAS (11 mins) - BBC 1-1 Naas James. The equaliser was a fantastic team goal. Naas won possession in midfield and worked the ball out to Rory, who picked out Bobby in space. Bobby looked up and threaded a perfectly weighted pass through to James, whose run split the defence. James kept his composure and finished brilliantly to level the game. Buoyed by the goal, Naas continued to push forward in search of a second. One sweeping move almost produced it, as Bobby twisted his marker inside out before striking the post. So unlucky! Against the run of play, however, BBC edged back in front. GOAL BBC - BBC 2-1 Naas. A moment of hesitation in midfield allowed BBC to break forward, and they capitalised clinically. It was a disappointing goal to concede, but there was a growing confidence about the Naas play. You felt there were more goals in them. That belief was rewarded. GOAL NAAS (22 mins) - BBC 2-2 Naas Bobby. Another well-worked move saw Bobby receive the ball, drop the shoulder, leave his defender for dead, and bury the finish. At this rate, with all the shimmies and shoulder drops on display, Bobby could be auditioning for Dancing with the Stars! More importantly, Naas were back on level terms. Naas continued to apply pressure for the remainder of the half, but BBC battled hard and disrupted much of their build-up play. The whistle eventually brought an entertaining first half to a close. After a sluggish start and an early setback, Naas showed tremendous character and resilience to fight back twice and go into the break all square. It was a much-improved performance after those opening minutes, setting up an exciting second half.

BBC started the second half with real intent, looking to halt the momentum Naas had built before the break. However, Naas were more than up for the challenge and could sense that there were goals to be had. Playing with confidence and moving the ball well, Naas continued to create chances and were rewarded in spectacular fashion. GOAL NAAS (34 mins) - BBC 2-3 Naas Matthew. And what a goal it was! Naas were on the attack, the BBC defence did brilliantly to scramble the ball clear towards midfield. Unfortunately for them, it fell straight to Matthew, who met it sweetly on the laces from well outside the box. The thunderbolt flew over the keeper, leaving him absolutely no chance. With Naas now in full flow, another goal always looked likely. GOAL NAAS (40 mins) - BBC 2-4 Naas Bobby (assist: Jason). Rory started the move with an excellent pass into Jason, who quickly picked out Bobby's run. Bobby struck the ball first time, forcing the keeper into a difficult decision. The flight of the ball deceived him, and, in an unfortunate moment, it slipped through his legs and into the net. The BBC keeper will undoubtedly have been disappointed, but football can be a cruel game at times. To their credit, BBC refused to throw in the towel and continued to battle hard. In the 47th minute they carved out a great chance to get themselves back into the game, but thankfully for Naas the effort sailed over the bar. Naas soon made sure of the result. GOAL NAAS (49 mins) - BBC 2-5 Naas Bobby (assist: Seb). A flowing Naas move ended with Seb finding Bobby in space, and the striker made no mistake, calmly finishing to complete a well-earned hattrick. It was the perfect way to cap off an excellent attacking display. Naas managed the closing stages professionally, controlling possession and seeing out the game with confidence. The final whistle brought an impressive 5-2 victory, securing all three points after a display full of character, quality, and clinical finishing.

A slow start, a strong response, and a dominant second half. A brilliant team performance from the Naas Majors.

UUUUUpppppp NAAAAAASSSSS! 🔵⚽