Boys U16 (2010) Premier - Tullamore Town

Naas AFC 5–1 Tullamore Town

U16FAI Cup – Second Round

Naas AFC booked their place in the third round of the SFAI Cup with a superb 5–1 victory over Tullamore Town after an impressive all-round team performance across 80 minutes of football.

Ned Keogh was the hero of the day, firing a brilliant hat-trick, while Conor Murtagh and Lochlainn Quinn added to the tally in what was a commanding display from start to finish.

Naas began strongly but Tullamore had the better of the first 20 minutes, winning several corners and free kicks. Our defence withstood the threat and we got a head on everything.After 20 minutes, Keogh showed his striker’s instincts, reacting quickest to slot home after James Collins’s shot was saved – a true poacher’s finish. Evan Moriarty showed huge leadership, as he won the header in the mddle to set James up.The second goal was one of real quality: Aaron O’Donnell’s tireless work down the wing was rewarded as he delivered a pinpoint cross with his left that Ned shifted to his right and buried it from 12 yards out. Sublime.

The hosts went into half-time 2–0 ahead, fully deserving of their lead.

Tullamore came out fighting after the break and pulled a goal back to make it 2–1, but that only seemed to galvanise Naas, who lifted their intensity and pushed on again.

Keogh completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot soon after, restoring the two-goal cushion with a cool finish. Conor Murtagh then produced a brilliant solo effort – dancing past two defenders before smashing home a cracker to make it 4–1, after great pressure from Aaron to rob the defender of the ball.

Naas weren’t done yet. The fifth and final goal came from a well-worked corner, Max Galvin delivering an excellent ball to the back post where Lochlainn Quinn arrived to finish calmly and cap off a fantastic team move.

At the back, Andrew O’Toole was a rock throughout, eading by example and keeping things solid and supportes by Ben, Matthew, while Evan Moriarty impressed with his determination, communication and composure. Freddie, Cormac and Dan were solid when introduced. The midfield put in a huge shift; James, Sean, Cian, Jack, Evan Malone and Aaron. Up top, Max, Conor and Loch all had a excellent contribution but the star was Ned with the hat trick

A dominant, disciplined performance from Naas AFC – full of quality, character, and teamwork – sees them deservedly progress to the next round of the SFAI Cup.

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