Boys U16 (2009) Major - Arlington

Naas Afc vs Arlington final score 5-2.

It was an early start this morning, with a 10 am kickoff on pitch 2 for our 3rd league game of the season against Arlington. We knew little to nothing about our opposition but there was a great confidence amongst us to get the job done and go top of the table, remaining unbeaten. 

We started very well and fashioned a few nice chances early on, with Noah Molimard finishing off a good move at the far post after a dangerous cross from Sean Onwere after just 5 minutes. We doubled our lead not long after with Tadhg Keane finding the net as per usual.

We continued to control the game and open up the Arlington defence, but failed to capitalise on any opportunities. It was Arlington who struck next, against the run of play, with a glancing finish at the near post from a ball across the box. This brought us back down to earth and keep our concentration. 

We took the goal in our stride and pushed on to dismiss any Arlington thoughts of an equaliser, with Tadhg Keane adding a further 2 goals to his tally, completing a first half  hat-trick. We went in at the break 4-1 up with the game in our hands. 

With a few half time changes, the game resumed and it was much the same as before the break. We strung together nice moves and played some very good football, but once again a lapse in concentration led to Arlington getting a second flukey goal, once again against the run of play. We kept our cool despite numerous lads having words with the referee due to a few questionable calls. We continued to play our game, and Daniel Tarita found himself on the end of a long through ball through and he made no mistake with his finish to put the game to bed. The remaining 15 or so minutes held no moments of note, with our defence holding off the weak Arlington response. The game finished 5-2 and we sit at the top of the league with 7 points after today, also keeping our unbeaten record. Great performance from the starting XI and subs today. We go again next week