Boys U14 (2012) Major 2 - Newbridge United

Despite the final scoreline, Naas U14s put in a strong performance that wasn’t fully reflected in the result.

Newbridge took an early lead with a spectacular 30-yard strike, leaving Noah with no chance. Naas responded well, settling into the game and gaining control in midfield. Lorcan linked up nicely with James, who delivered a dangerous ball into the box, Jayden struck but it was narrowly wide.

Newbridge doubled their lead with another long-range effort, but Naas kept pushing, and solid defending from Scott and Dylan helped keep them out. James slipped a great pass to Lorcan, who found Frank, and he finished clinically to bring Naas back into it. Bobby broke up play well in midfield, while Jayden and Harry continued to threaten with strong runs.

Naas were unlucky not to equalise, with the Newbridge keeper producing an excellent save from Lorcan. As the game flowed end-to-end, Newbridge managed to head in a third from a cross shortly before half-time.

Charlie, Riley, and Scott Byrne came on for the second half and made an immediate impact. Thady produced a vital tackle to halt a Newbridge break, with Scott Byrne clearing the danger. Charlie delivered some great crosses and through balls, and Riley forced another strong save from the Newbridge goalkeeper.

Newbridge struck again with yet another long-range screamer! but Naas showed great character and quickly had the ball in the net—only for it to be disallowed. More drama was to follow with Naas getting one back from Frank again! Then this crazy game struck again with a missed penalty from Naas and Newbridge going down the other end and scoring.

At the back, Noah making some important saves with Dylan and Scott solid in front, supported by Thady and Andy clearing the danger. In midfield, Harry, Bobby, Lorcan, and Jayden worked tirelessly, with James pulling the strings in the No. 10 role and Frank a menace to the Newbridge back line.

The substitutes Charlie, Riley and Scott Byrne kept the tempo high and added a bit of steel, helping Naas apply pressure right to the final whistle. On another day, the result could easily have been different. Plenty of positives to build on as the lads continue their journey together as a team, on to the next one!