Boys U16 (2010) Premier - Clane

We kicked off under lights on Pitch1 against a very tough Clane side. Following a impeccable observed minute silence for the passing of a relative on the Clane team, Naas started on the front foot.

Naas were largely in control for the first 15 minutes and were starting to move the ball well. The Clane defence were starting to come under pressure, Fred Cowdell and James Collins worked a little magic to play the ball through to Jack O Brien, who hit a low drive across the keeper, who palmed it out. Like all good strikers, Jack was alert to tap home.

Naas continued to press, and started to really push for the second. Conor Murtagh rattled the underside of the bar, following a great ball from Evan Moriarty. Evan Malone and Jack O Brien went close also. The second arrived on 30 minutes, the ball broke just outside the Clane box. Matthew McCarthy clipped a great ball to the right side of the box for Sean Stafford to control and put a dangerous ball across the box. Jack O Brien made no mistake for 2-0.

Our back four plus Charlie in nets gave the team a great foundation and sniffed out any Clane danger. Credit to Clane they never dropped their heads.

Second half started in much the same vein with Naas largely in control. The third arrived following some great play, the ball was moved to the played down the channel, and Aaron stretched his legs and rounded the fullback. Unselfish he squared the ball to Jack, who miss hit the shot, but kept working and managed to squeeze the ball in with his leg. 3-0 and Jack's first HAT TRICK for the club!!!

Naas were really in the groove and playing some great stuff, shifting the ball well, with Evan Malone at the heart of most things. The 4th goal was class. Dara O Connor from deep, made a strong run from deep, rounded a couple of players, and played quick 1-2 with James. Dara rounded one more player and deftly played back to James on the edge of the box. James unleashed a low shot into the net.

Clane pulled a goal back from a corner so after, but from the kick off Naas went up and got the 5th. Following more good play from Dara O Connor, he shifted the ball to Aaron on the left hand side of the box, who shifted onto his left and buried in the bottom corner.

Clane to their credit did not drop the heads and piled on the pressure for the last 10 minutes. Our lads completely switched off, allowing Clane momentum, Clane scored a great 2nd and then landed a 3rd soon after with 4 minutes to go.

The lads were brilliant for 60-65 minutes, played some lovely one touch football and scored class goals. We got sloppy for 15 minutes so plenty of good lessons to take.

Overall great response from the lads in the last 2 games