Boys U17 (2009) Premier - Kilcock Celtic
Naas AFC 5–2 Kilcock Celtic
Storm Naas Hits Again
While many were worried about Storm Amy, it was Storm Naas AFC that Kilcock Celtic should have feared. From the first whistle, Naas came flying out of the blocks with attacking intent.
Within the opening minute, Huey Phelan forced the Kilcock keeper into a strong save, and just moments later, he was denied again after another dangerous effort. Ryan Murtagh was next to try his luck, his strike drifting narrowly wide, before Isaac Cramer and Brody Power both tested the keeper — Naas were relentless.
Their pressure finally paid off when Jake Dooley’s pinpoint long pass found Mattias Azzopardi racing in behind. The forward showed great composure to beat the keeper to the ball and fire home the opener, 1–0 Naas.
But almost instantly, Kilcock responded. Pressing high, they forced a turnover and took their chance to level at 1–1 after 12 minutes. The game then became a battle for control, with both sides working hard to maintain possession.
Naas almost retook the lead through a moment of magic from Phelan — a cheeky backheel pass sent Azzopardi through again, only for the keeper to produce another excellent save. The half ended 1–1, with all to play for.
Second Half: Storm Naas Unleashed
Naas came out determined after the break, and Liam O’Shea wasted no time in making an impact. After a brilliant solo run through the Kilcock midfield, he unleashed a rocket into the top corner to make it 2–1 — a goal that lit up the match.
Dawid Kolter, who was instrumental all game with his energy and creativity, saw a powerful free kick fly just over the bar. Yet despite Naas’ dominance, Kilcock struck back against the run of play to make it 2–2 on 65 minutes.
That equalizer only served to wake up Storm Naas. Jack Campbell’s driven shot was parried away, and Fagan came close twice from free kicks — one saved, one inches wide. Then came a moment of pure determination and individual brilliance.
Jake Pitt Byrne, who had been improving with every performance, pressed high to win back possession, skipped past two defenders with an incredible run down the touchline, and from an impossibly tight angle, smashed home to restore Naas’s lead. 3–2 — and the boys were in total control.
In the 78th minute, Huey Phelan produced something truly special — spotting the keeper off his line, he struck a free kick from inside his own half, and with the wind behind him, it sailed over everyone and into the net. A contender for goal of the season.
With the game nearly wrapped up, Ryan Murtagh decided he wanted in on the action. Showing great awareness, he latched onto a clever assist from Kolter to fire home Naas’s fifth and final goal.
A Statement Performance
From start to finish, this was one of Naas AFC’s finest performances of the season.
Alex “Safe Hands” Higgins was solid in goal, Thady Gilltrap showed composure at right-back, and Brody Power filled in superbly at left-back for the recovering Matthew Greene — who still came on to help his team after illness.
Jack Tilly and Jake Dooley were a defensive wall, while in midfield, Kolter, O’Shea, and Phelan controlled the tempo with confidence and class. Up top, Cramer, Azzopardi, Pitt Byrne, Campbell, Murtagh, and Fagan caused endless problems for Kilcock’s defence.
This wasn’t just a win — it was a statement. A reminder that when this team clicks, Storm Naas AFC is unstoppable.
Final Score: Naas AFC 5–2 Kilcock Celtic
