Boys U16 (2009) Premier - Kilcullen AFC

Statement Win in the Title Race

Billed as a clash of the league’s top contenders, Naas AFC delivered a performance worthy of champions, outplaying Kilcullen from start to finish. While the 3-2 scoreline suggests a tight contest, the reality was far different—Naas dominated, showing why they belong at the summit of the table.

First Half: Total Control

Naas wasted no time asserting their dominance. Within seconds, Huey Phelan launched a long ball over the top for Liam Mescal, who beat his marker and forced an early corner. From the resulting set piece, Conor Fagan’s shot was saved, setting the tone for a relentless opening spell.

The early pressure continued:

2nd minute – Oran Sherry’s shot was saved after another Mescal cross.

3rd minute – Fagan had another effort denied.

16th minute – Mathew Greene’s overlapping run led to a dangerous far-post cross, forcing the Kilcullen keeper to palm it away.

The breakthrough finally came in the 19th minute. A clever flick from Fagan found Sherry, who was brought down in the box. Dusting himself off, he stepped up and coolly slotted home the penalty. 1-0 Naas.

Kilcullen attempted a response, but the Naas defense stood firm. Jack Tilly, Christy Reilly, and Jake Dooley were immense at the back, with no-nonsense tackles from Dooley and Tilly setting the tone. Mescal even tracked back 40 yards to win a crucial tackle, while Dawid Kolter cleared an effort off the line in the 33rd minute as Kilcullen began to grow into the game.

Despite Naas' control, a rare lapse in concentration gifted Kilcullen an equalizer before halftime. 1-1 at the break, but the home side remained unfazed.

Second Half: Stepping Up a Gear

A few tactical tweaks at halftime made all the difference, and Naas came out firing.

Just one minute into the second half, Mescal delivered another pinpoint cross. Fagan’s initial shot was saved, but Mattias was quickest to react, stabbing home the rebound. 2-1 Naas.

With momentum fully in their favor, Naas produced a moment of magic just three minutes later. Ryan Murtagh switched play to Mescal, who found Mattias. With a silky touch and turn, he opened up space before curling a stunning strike into the top corner—on what he insists is his weaker foot! 3-1 Naas.

From there, the home side controlled the game expertly:

50th minute – Kolter broke up a Kilcullen attack with a well-timed tackle.

54th minute – Fagan won the ball deep, beat two players, and fired just wide.

56th-60th minutes – Long-range efforts from Sherry and Mattias forced saves, keeping Kilcullen on the ropes.

With Luca adding defensive solidity, Murtagh and Power battling in midfield, and Robert Ryan pressing high, Naas dictated play. Goalkeeper Ollie Curran played a key role in relieving pressure with pinpoint distribution.

Kilcullen managed to grab a consolation goal in the dying moments to make it 3-2, but the scoreline flattered them. This was a game of men vs. boys, title contenders vs. hopefuls—and Naas proved exactly where they belong.

Final Thoughts

Naas AFC didn’t just win; they made a statement. This performance showcased their skill, resilience, and hunger for the title. With displays like this, they’re not just in the title race—they’re leading it.