Boys U10 (2015) Green - Newbridge United

Not the result we wanted, but the Green Team put in a superb performance against a very strong Newbridge United side in an epic.

Naas got off to a slow start with Newbridge quickly on top. Before long we were 1-0 down, but that seemed to light a spark and Naas quickly started to win a lot more of the ball and get on the front foot. It wasn't long before a quick attack and cross into the box fell to Ben (who was supposed to be holding the defensive line!) to smash home the equaliser.

Naas didn't let up and kept the pressure on Newbridge. Robert and Raphael were running their heart out in midfield. Newbridge were always dangerous, but a long clearance from one of their attacks fell to Seamie, who brilliantly held off two of their defenders before smashing the ball into the top corner. 2-1 up.

Newbridge continued to press, but strong defending from Shuayb and good saves from Alex kept them at bay. They were always dangerous from set pieces and equalised from a corner that Naas failed to clear. That seemed to knock the lads a bit and the last 5 mins of the half saw Newbridge score 2 more goals to lead 4-2 at the break.

The message at half time was to stay positive, keep working hard and believe that we can get a result. And the players did exactly that and really put in a great second half performance. A second goal from Seamie made 3-4, and the comeback was on. Meron was making great runs from the back, setting up chances for Seamie and Patrick. But Newbridge were always a danger, and went 5-3 up from another corner (set piece defending added to the training drills this week!!).

Even with that setback, Naas seemed to step up another level and launch attack after attack. Patrick's strong running, along with great support from Robert in midfield , created chance after chance. We were finally rewarded with Patrick making in 4-5. With plenty of time left, Naas continued to push for and equaliser, sometimes throwing caution to wind. There was always a risk of a Newbridge break, which unfortunately led to them grabbing a late goal to win it 6-4.

Effort, work rate, team play, all 10/10. The guys left everything on the pitch today, which is all we as coaches could ask for. The opposition coach was full of praise and felt the result could easily have been a lot different. The lads were gutted at the end but the coaches couldn't have been prouder. Keep performing like that and we'll be ok.