Boys U16 (2010) Premier - Donacarney Celtic FC
Naas went into the last 32 in high hopes and hoped to break the hoodoo and reach the last 16 after 4 years of getting knocked out at this stage.
Naas were missing 3 important players for this game but still had a squad capable of winning this game.
Naas started strong, but it quickly became evident Donnacarney were a well organized, strong team and had a couple of threats up front, They were stronger into tackles, and winning most of the 1 to 1 battles. There number 16 was finding pockets of space between the lines, and was causing problems. The visitors scored after 10 minutes when they broke down the right, Naas lacked aggression and were passive in defence, gave them room, and the visitors found a man who made no mistake from 10 yards. Naas continued to have possession, and created a couple of chances, with Evan Malone and Jack o Brien going close. The visitors went 2-0 when again Naas stood off the visitors from a throw in, the ball was worked to the edge of the box and their right wing found the top corner, giving Alec Walsh no chance.
Naas made some changes at half time and some tactical switches and we started brightly, playing some lovely football and showing real intent to get back into the game. However, as they pushed forward in search of a comeback goal, disaster struck when Donacarney broke quickly to score their third, extending their lead to 3–0.
Despite this setback, the reaction from Naas was extremely positive. The dogged and well-organised Donacarney defence was finally breached after a flowing move down the right wing. Evan Moriarty, who was excellent at right back combined neatly with Ned Keogh in a slick One-Two before delivering a peach of a cross that Conor Murtagh met at the back post to finish off a fine team move. It was a reminder that when this Naas team clicks, they are good.
Naas continued to dominate possession and pushed hard to narrow the deficit further. Another flowing move saw the industrious Murtagh, who made a massive impact coming off the bench, break through on goal, only to be chopped down just as he was about to shoot — a clear penalty. James Collins, the Naas captain, who had a fine game, stepped up, but the goalkeeper pulled off a remarkable full-stretch save to his left to preserve their two-goal lead.
As Naas threw men forward in the closing stages, the visitors’ defence remained organised and resolute. Their keeper continued to stand tall, denying the home side on several occasions. Unfortunately, with Naas tiring and losing a couple of players to injury late on, Donacarney struck twice more on the break in the final moments, giving the score line a harsh look for the hosts.
Special mention must go to the three U15 Premier players, Alec(who had a fine game in nets), Jamie ( who showed huge heart and tenacity) and Dara ( who worked tirelessly up front) who stepped up and performed brilliantly, showing they belong at this level.
The team is going through a rough patch at the minute, and confidence has been impacted, but the lads need to stick together and stay united, as it will turn. There is too much talent in this team for it not to turn.
Lads can be proud of getting to the last 32 again, but there will be regrets, and what might have been!!!!
