SFAI Cup Round 2 v TNS United (H)
Naas AFC 3–5 TNS United SFAI Cup – Round 2
Naas AFC bowed out of the SFAI Cup after a hard-fought battle against a strong, physical TNS United side from Stradbally, Co. Laois.
Naas were missing Jamie Dunphy and Stephen Harkin through long-term knee injuries, while usual centre-back pairing Charlie Duffy and Jake Doyle were away on holidays and a school trip respectively. Robbie O’Rourke stepped up from the M2 squad to partner usual goalkeeper Kian Shanaghy at centre-back. Both delivered great performances, alongside Max Kennedy at right-back and Kellum Finnegan at left-back, with Sean Liston in goal.
Jason Gleeson and Antoni Karpierz anchored midfield, with captain Peter McBride in the number 10 role behind goal machine Senan Smyth. Adam Conroy and Leo Timmons got the nod on the wings.
The physical battle was evident from the start, and Naas knew an early advantage could be important against the bigger Laois side. The breakthrough came on 28 minutes following a great team move. Hin Ngo broke down the left, and some lovely one- and two-touch passing involving Senan and Peter set up Leo, who slotted a fine low finish past the TNS keeper.
Three minutes later, Leo almost doubled his tally. Chasing a through ball, he nicked it around the keeper and stayed on his feet despite having his heels clipped. His rasping shot was headed off the line by a covering defender, who unfortunately had to leave the field afterwards.
Naas did get their second just two minutes later. Antoni’s clever chip released Senan, who slid the ball past the advancing keeper for 2–0. Having come close to establishing a three-goal cushion, Naas instead went into the break just one ahead after TNS pulled a goal back with the last kick of the half.
That goal gave the visitors a lift, and they found their equaliser on 53 minutes. Naas responded brilliantly, restoring their lead just three minutes later when Peter released Senan, who again finished well into the corner.
Callum Hartigan, Stephen Farrell and Mikey Danu were introduced as Naas adjusted their shape, but TNS’s physical strength began to tell as the game wore on. The visitors drew level with 15 minutes remaining, setting up a tense finish.
Naas continued to push for a winner but were caught on the break as TNS went 4–3 ahead. A fifth followed shortly before the end to seal the result.
A disappointing finish, but a huge effort from the Naas lads, who twice led and gave a very strong TNS side a real battle despite several key absences. Credit to Robbie for stepping up - well done Senan on man of the match.
Congratulations to TNS United and good luck in the next round.
Full game available to watch here:
app.veo.co/matches/20261017-naas-afc-vs-ts-sfai-trophy-v918ae38/
