Boys U16 (2010) Premier - Monasteravin
Well that was more like it.
The lads dusted themselves down after last week’s disastrous season opener, and after a very hard weeks training and some soul searching, put in a performance we have become accustomed to with this team.
With a new formation of 4-2-3-1, game kicked off, with Naas on the front foot from the start. The pitch made it difficult for the lads to get into the usual passing game. The game burst into action with Naas taking the lead after 4 minutes. From a free kick, just inside our half, Andrew O Toole arrowed a 40-yard pass to Aaron. The centre half slipped in front of Aaron, which allowed him to control the ball just inside the box. Aaron took one touch and, on the half, volley pinged the ball into the top corner. What a strike!!!
The game was scrappy for the next 20 minutes, with very few chances for either side. Naas back 4 of Evan, Matthew, Dan and Andrew were very comfortable. Naas started to get the ball down and started to apply more pressure. The front 4 of Ned, Aaron, Jack and Daragh started to create opportunities with Jack going close, Ned striking wide after a bad bobble on the pitch. Following a lovely flowing move, Evan Moriarty fed the ball into Ned, who controlled and turned, and put Aaron through. Aaron was foiled by an excellent save by the keeper. James Collins and Oisin Lynch in the middle of the park were starting to dictate proceedings as the half came to a close.
Naas management wanted a quick start in the second half, and the lads delivered that. Charlie McCaffrey from goal delivered a 60 yard through ball, for Jack O Brien to run onto. Jack outpaced the defence and with ice running though his veins, made it 2-0. The lads really started to take control and the third goal arrived 15 minutes later. After some great play in the middle, the ball was shifted out wide left and in behind the fullback. Jack with his pace, hit the by-line and played a great ball across the 6-yard box to the onrushing Evan Malone, who made no mistake.
Naas continued to keep the pace up, and the 4th came with less than 10 minutes to go. Again Naas went wide left. Max Galvin fizzed a ball across the box, which ended up with Sean Stafford, who took one touch, and buried it from 12 yards out. Naas had more chances, with Lochlainn Quinn going close twice and Max Galvin going close.
Overall, a much-improved performance against a tricky opponent, but still plenty to work on. Good to get Freddie Cowdell 15 minutes as he comes back from injury.
All the lads put in an excellent shift and we go again next week.
