Boys U16 (2009) Premier - Kilcullen AFC

Kilcullen 1-5 Naas AFC: Mescal Shines as Naas Dominate

Venue: Kilcullen Community Centre

Date: 05 October 2024

Weather: Slight breeze , damp, cloudy

After 35 days without competitive action, Naas AFC returned to the pitch with a game plan—and they executed it to perfection, securing an emphatic 5-1 victory over Kilcullen. From the very first whistle, Naas were on the front foot, showing intensity and hunger, a display that left their opponents struggling to cope.

First Half

Right from the kickoff, Naas showed their intent, earning a corner in the first minute. The resulting set piece fell to team captain Dawid, whose left-footed shot narrowly missed the target, setting the tone for the pressure to come. Naas’ relentless attacking paid off in the 3rd minute, when Liam O’Shea won possession back in midfield and threaded a perfect through ball to Liam Mescal, who calmly slotted past the Kilcullen goalkeeper for a well-deserved opener.

Kilcullen struggled to find their rhythm under Naas' high-intensity pressing, barely managing a meaningful attack. When they did venture forward, a perfectly timed tackle from Dawid snuffed out any threat, ensuring Naas remained in full control of the early exchanges.

The 10th minute saw Naas break quickly on the counter, with Liam O’Shea driving through the middle and linking up with Conor Fagan, who then played a neat pass to Conor Murtagh. Murtagh attempted to round the Kilcullen keeper, but the goalkeeper did well to stand his ground and deny him. Naas kept up the pressure, with Mattias playing Fagan through for another chance, only for the offside flag to deny the goal.

An unfortunate injury to a Kilcullen player around the 15th minute resulted in a lengthy delay. After the restart, Kilcullen briefly found some life, benefitting from the break in play. However, Naas continued to press forward, and in the 29th minute, Liam Mescal grabbed his second of the game. A superb long pass from Jack Tilly found Mescal, who beat his defender with ease and slotted home to double Naas' advantage. A minute later, Ryan Murtagh nearly added a third but saw his shot fly over the bar.

Just before halftime, and somewhat against the run of play, Kilcullen managed to pull a goal back, giving themselves hope heading into the break. Naas led 2-1 at the half, but they were firmly in control.

Second Half

Naas wasted no time getting back to their attacking best after the break, pressing high and controlling possession. Liam Mescal, continuing his dominant display, nearly completed his hat-trick in the 50th minute when his low shot struck the post. Shortly after, Conor Fagan showed great strength and control as he dribbled into the box, only to be taken down—but no penalty was given.

It didn't take long for Mescal to put the disappointment of the post behind him. In the 55th minute, Ryan Murtagh weaved through Kilcullen's defense and played a perfect ball to Mescal, who made no mistake in completing his hat-trick, slotting home to make it 3-1. Mescal wasn’t done yet. Another surging run down the line saw him glide past a stumbling Kilcullen defender before delivering a low cross that found Matthias, who tapped in for Naas' fourth.

With a commanding 4-1 lead, Naas understandably took their foot off the gas, allowing Kilcullen a brief spell of possession. However, any hopes of a comeback were extinguished when Liam O'Shea, showing his trademark dribbling skills, danced past three defenders before firing a low shot through the keeper's legs to make it 5-1, sealing an outstanding team performance.

Conclusion

Naas saw out the remainder of the game with ease, rarely looking under threat as they controlled the tempo. Their high-intensity pressing and clinical finishing left Kilcullen with little chance of getting back into the match.

It was a complete team performance, with every player putting in a shift. Liam Mescal was undoubtedly the standout player with his hat-trick, but every member of the squad contributed to what could easily have been an 8- or 9-goal victory.

Naas now head into next weekend’s match brimming with confidence, having put on a near-flawless display of attacking football.

Man of the Match: Liam Mescal

Final Score: Kilcullen 1-5 Naas AFC