Boys U12 (2013) Premier White - Naas Premier Blue

On a dry and breezy Saturday morning, Naas AFC's 2013 Premier teams, Naas Whites and Naas Blues, went head-to-head in an exciting match. 

The Whites, captained by Adam Conroy, controlled much of the first half, with midfielders Matthew Holland and Peter McBride dictating the tempo. Defensively solid, Jamie Dunphy and Max Kennedy provided excellent cover for goalkeeper Charlie Almieda, although Naas Blues created a few chances through Matthew Corrigan and Kris Krasmirov. Despite some early efforts from Sean Hayden and Kellum Finnegan, it was Kian Shanahy who finally broke the deadlock with a fine finish past Blues' goalkeeper James Devitt. 

Naas Whites had opportunities to extend their lead before halftime, but both McBride and Shanahy missed the target, leaving the score at 1-0 going into the break. 

In the second half, Naas Whites continued to dominate. They created further chances for Rian White and Kellum Finnegan, but Devitt was in superb form, keeping the Blues in the game. However, Devitt could do nothing when Rian White broke through on goal and finished clinically into the top corner, doubling the Whites' lead. 

The Whites' midfield, now led by Charlie O'Connor and Conor O'Shea, worked tirelessly throughout the second half, with Callum Hartigan and Matthew Carey offering strong support at the back. The Blues, however, pulled one back with eight minutes remaining when Adam Kenny struck a clean shot from the edge of the box after a corner clearance. The ball traveled through a crowded area, leaving the unsighted Finn Dudley in the Whites' goal with little chance of stopping it. 

With the score at 2-1, the closing minutes were tense. The Blues pressed hard for an equalizer, but a crucial moment came when Conor Hogan of the Whites forced an error from Harry Austin at the back. Hogan rounded Devitt, only for Austin to recover brilliantly and clear the ball off the line. 

The game ended 2-1 in favor of Naas Whites, leaving them with 6 points from their first three games, while Naas Blues remain on 4 points from four matches. Both teams now look ahead to their upcoming SFAI Cup fixtures against Temple Villa this weekend.