Boys U14 (2012) Major - Naas U15 Major 2
Naas U14 Major and Naas U15 Major 2 met under the lights of Pitch 1 at the Sports Centre on Friday evening in what proved to be a valuable early-season exercise for both squads. The friendly offered players and coaches alike a chance to shake off the cobwebs before competitive football resumes.
On paper, the U14s faced a physical challenge, with the majority of their older counterparts boasting a clear advantage in height. Yet it was the younger side who began with greater composure, moving the ball neatly and forcing the U15s into prolonged spells of chasing possession.
That early pressure was rewarded after 14 minutes. A well-delivered corner from Josh Richardson caused uncertainty in the U15 defence, and Michal Mazur was on hand at the back post to guide the ball into the net.
The concession sharpened the U15s’ response. They grew into the contest and, from a corner of their own on the half-hour mark, drew level. When the U14 defence failed to clear, the ball dropped kindly to Lucas Parajes, who finished firmly from eight yards. With both sides trading periods of control, the match reached half-time finely balanced at 1–1.
The second half began under floodlights, and it was again the U14s who struck first. A speculative ball forward unsettled the U15 back line, and when a defensive header looped backwards, Ben Cox reacted smartly, rounding goalkeeper Luke Brennan before finishing coolly with his left foot.
Parity was restored just before the hour when the U14s squandered possession in their own half. The loose ball fell invitingly for Senan Coultry, who drove forward and struck cleanly into the bottom corner beyond the dive of Hayden Taaffe.
With the game finely poised at 2–2, both sides pressed for a decisive third goal. It arrived through a moment of quality. Mazur, influential throughout, delivered an incisive pass from the left to pick out Richardson’s well-timed run. Brennan advanced quickly, but Richardson showed admirable composure, lifting the ball into the top corner for his side’s third.
The evening’s final flourish belonged to the U14s. In the closing moments, neat interplay down the left found its way to Oscar Dolan inside the penalty area. With a deft first touch and a sharp turn, he created the angle before finishing emphatically into the side of the net – a goal of real quality that underlined the technical ability on display.
The final whistle brought to a close an engaging contest that reflected well on both teams. For the U14s, a 4–2 victory was a confidence-boosting outcome against older opposition. For the U15s, the resilience shown in twice restoring parity will give encouragement as the season approaches.
Huge thanks to Colm O'Connor for officiating (despite many many many dubious calls :p
The full match can be seen here -
All the goals can be seen here -
