Boys U14 (2013) Premier - Kilcock Celtic
Naas AFC 2–3 Kilcock Celtic
Naas AFC’s U14 Premier side began their new league campaign with a narrow 3–2 defeat to Kilcock Celtic, but there was plenty to take from an encouraging performance against the league favourites.
The afternoon began in the worst possible circumstances before a ball had even been kicked. Naas captain Jamie Dunphy suffered a dislocated knee in the build-up to the game and had to be taken by ambulance to Tallaght Hospital.
With Jamie unable to play, Jason Gleeson took the captain’s armband for the day.
With Charlie also unavailable, Naas were forced into an immediate reshuffle. Kian Shanaghy stepped out of his usual goalkeeper position to take Jamie’s place at centre-back, while new signing Sean Liston was handed his competitive debut in goal.
It was one of six competitive debuts for Naas, with Jake Doyle coming in at centre-back, Stephen Farrell and Leo Timmons in midfield and Senan Smith leading the line. Antoni Karpierz, who stepped up from our second team during the summer, would later make his competitive debut from the bench.
Despite all the disruption before kick-off, Naas started extremely well.The lads worked tirelessly throughout the opening half, winning their 50/50 battles and controlling the game for long periods. There was a real intensity to the performance, with the midfield working hard to protect the defence and the hastily reshuffled back line settling quickly into the contest.
Jason was at the heart of much of the good work. Wearing the captain’s armband and operating in defensive midfield, he was a driving force in the middle of the pitch, competing for everything, breaking up play and helping Naas take control of the midfield battle.
The breakthrough arrived on 16 minutes.
GOAL! Naas AFC 1–0 Kilcock Celtic, 16 mins — Senan Smith
A ball played through the Kilcock defence gave Senan the opportunity to show his pace. He accelerated away from the defenders, raced through on goal and produced a composed finish to give Naas the lead.
Four minutes later, he was at it again.
GOAL! Naas AFC 2–0 Kilcock Celtic, 20 mins — Senan Smith
This time Senan created the opportunity himself. He reacted quickest to a breakdown in the Kilcock defence, pounced to take possession from the defender and raced clear before finishing brilliantly for his second of the game.
Two goals on his competitive debut and a continuation of the excellent form Senan has shown throughout pre-season since stepping into the number 9 position following Stephen Harkin’s unfortunate knee injury and subsequent surgery.
HT: Naas AFC 2–0 Kilcock Celtic
Naas knew the game was far from over.
Kilcock had already demonstrated their quality and resilience in their opening league fixture, coming from behind to beat Clane 3–2, and with a stiff breeze now at their backs, the visitors came out firing after the restart.
For much of the second half, Naas found themselves under sustained pressure.
Eventually, Naas were caught a little high up the pitch and, while desperately trying to recover, caught a Kilcock attacker inside the area. The resulting penalty was converted to reduce the deficit to 2–1.
What followed was five mad minutes that completely turned the game on its head.
Straight from the resulting kick-off, Kilcock regained possession and attacked again. Some confusion in the Naas defence resulted in a second penalty, which Kilcock converted to make it 2–2.
Less than three minutes later, a Kilcock free kick was delivered into the Naas area. The breaking ball fell to a Kilcock attacker, who finished to put the visitors 3–2 ahead. The eventual scorer appeared to be in an offside position from the original delivery, but the goal stood.
From 2–0 ahead to 3–2 behind in the space of five frantic minutes.
To their credit, the Naas lads stayed in the game and refused to let Kilcock pull away. Understandably, after the effort they had put into the opening half and the pressure they had absorbed after the break, tiredness began to show as the game wore on.
Naas still managed to create a couple of late opportunities to find an equaliser, but unfortunately couldn’t take them.
FT: Naas AFC 2–3 Kilcock Celtic
A losing start to the new league campaign, but one from which this group can take real heart.
Against the league favourites, and after losing their captain before kick-off and having to reshuffle the heart of the defence, Naas produced an excellent first-half performance and went into the break deservedly 2–0 ahead.
Six players made their competitive debuts, Senan marked his with two goals, and Kian deserves particular credit for stepping out of goal at the last minute and taking on the responsibility of playing at centre-back.
There were some excellent individual performances throughout the team, particularly given the circumstances, but Man of the Match went to stand-in captain Jason Gleeson. He led by example in defensive midfield and produced an outstanding all-round performance when his team needed it most.
Ultimately, five difficult minutes in the second half proved costly, but there was far more to be encouraged by than disappointed about. The work rate, attitude and competitiveness were exactly what we will need over the course of the season.
Most importantly, everyone involved with the team wishes our captain Jamie a speedy recovery. We look forward to seeing him back with the lads as soon as he’s ready. 🔵⚪
