Boys U16 (2010) Premier - Kilcock
Naas produced a powerful second-half performance to overcome Kilcock and secure an impressive 6–2 victory in a lively and action-packed contest. With several players not available, U.16 called up five players from the U.15 side.
The visitors made the brighter start and with a rare attack got the Naas back line napping, the striker burst through the middle to score in the corner, inside the opening five minutes.
Naas started to grow into the game, but in truth with the wind, the game was very sloppy, with Naas struggling to get the ball down and play. After 7 minutes, the ref awarded Naas a penalty, which no knew why, but we are told never to question the ref!!! Evan Moriarty stepped up and smacked the ball against the post.
Despite the early setbacks, Naas began to find some rhythm. A well-worked move involving Seán Stafford, won the ball and played Jack in from the left. Jack made no mistake and found the net to level the game at 1–1 after 15 minutes.
The first half continued with Naas on the front foot but Kilcock looking dangerous on the break. Naas had the best two chances of the half, when Jack played a great ball to the back stick, which Ned Keogh headed wide. Sean Stafford and Jamie Byrnes worked well in midfield to play Ned in, Ned pulled the ball onto his right, but went just wide from 12 yards. Jack O Brien had a couple of chances which were not converted.
Naas knew the second half would be different with the breeze and there were goals there.
The momentum continued to swing as Cormac Donegan found James Collins on the right hand side of midfield, who delivered a superb long diagonal ball to Ned, who took it in his stride and from 10 yards out, made no mistake this time, finishing confidently after earlier near misses to put Naas 2–1 ahead.
Somehow and completely against the run of play, with Naas pushed up. We left ourselves short at the back, Kilcock played a long ball and responded to make it 2–2. Naas were beginning to assert themselves. Another excellent passage of play saw Cormac once again involved, swinging a dangerous ball into the area which was missed by Ned. The ball fell to Roddy Cummins, who showed great composure, with 3 defenders around him, to finish from 4 yards. A goal well deserved by Roddy who was a constant thorn in the Kilcock rear, with his pace, skills and doggedness.
From there, Naas took control and did not look back.. Evan Moriarty moved into the 6 and his determination proved pivotal—winning possession in midfield before releasing Dara O Shea. Dara had work to do, drove towards goals and unleashed a bullet across the goalie to extend the lead to 4–2. Evan Malone, Evan Moriarty, and Cian Leonard were in control of midfield and Kilcock could not get out of their half. Ciano fed Evan Moriarty who again drove at the heart of Kilcock, after losing the ball, showing great persistence to win the ball back at the end line and whip a ball across the box, Jack O Brien produced a class finish from a tight angle to beat the keeper at the near post..
Naas weren’t finished yet. Dara capped off a fine performance from the bench with a superb diagonal pass over the centre back for Jack to stretch his legs, Jack confidently made no mistake and completed his hat-trick in style, sealing an emphatic 6–2 win.
It was a commanding display from Naas, particularly in the second half and nice to get a league home win.
Best for Naas were Alec Walsh in nets, Daniel Oke at the back, Roddy Cummins was a menace on the left, Ned Keogh led the line really well, Dara O Shea had a huge impact off the bench. Jack O Brien bagged a hat-trick, which says it all!!!!
