Boys U13 (2012) Premier White - Athy
On a blustery morning in Naas, the home side welcomed Athy for a KDUL Cup Quarter Final.
Athy, who have already two victories over Naas in the league were fresh off an excellent win away to league title challengers Castle Villa and surely fancied their chances against a resurgent Naas side.
Athy won the coin toss and chose to play against the wind in the first half. The wind was like having two extra men with the goalkeepers struggling to get the ball out of their box with their goal kicks. Despite the wind Athy carved out some good chances with a few shots sailing past the post. The first ten minutes were a bit sloppy with both sides getting used to the conditions. Naas apparently adapting quickest when the ball broke to Dan Grant just inside the opposition half. With the wind at his back Grant unleashed a ferocious shot from about 40 yards out. The ball picked up speed as the wind pushed it goalbound and the ball nestled into the top corner.
Athy soon came to regret their decision to play against the wind in the first half as the ball came to the feet of the mercurial Kebron Futsom how took a touch and powered his shot goalbound. The keeper, staring into the sun, got his hands on it but couldn't prevent it from crossing the line. Naas were 2-0 up but they were pushed on by their coaches who knew that a 2 goal cushion would not be enough against a strong Athy side. To their credit, Athy pushed forward and carved out some good chances. Fortunately for Naas they were not able to capitalise on them and after one such attack, the keep Daniel Shelley got the ball to winger Alex Branskky how played a beautiful ball with the outside of his right to curl the ball right into Jayden Daniel who squeezed his way inbetween the two defenders. Daniel steadied himself for what felt like an eternity to the coaches but he made no mistake and buried the ball with a cool strike past the onrushing keeper.
The referee blew for half time with Naas facing the prospect of a second half playing into the sun and more worryingly, playing into the wind. At half time the coaches reminded the players of their duties and reminded them that the game was far from over. Naas expected an onslaught in the second half and a shot by Athy directly from the second half tip off proved the predictions to be true. This was a statement of intent by the visitors and with the wind at their back they went about trying to dosmantle the resolute Naas defence. In fairness to the boys in blue they held strong for the first 10 minutes before a shot from about 30 yards from an Athy midfielder sailed into the top corner. Athy, knowing the chalenge facing them, raced to retrieve the ball from the net to ensure no time was wasted. Naas on the back foot held firm for another 10 minutes before Athy went and secured their second goal, a ferocious shot that left Shelley with no chance. Naas were starting to feel the pressure as Athy piled on the pressure. Naas got the ball down the left flank and Futsom rode one tackle and powered into the box, another tackle floored him not before Futsom stabbed the ball across the 6 yard box to the unmarked Alex Branskky who poked the ball home. Naas 4-2 to the good and it felt like the game was there for the win.
Athy ensured a nail biting finale by scoring from a corner after a mix up in the Naas defence but Naas held on to the final whistle setting up a semi final against either Prosperous or Castle Villa.
Today was about grit and determination and a real team performance. Stand out players for Naas today were Dan Grant with an excellent goal and a fine defensive performance and also Kebron Futsom providing a team inspiring battling performance, scoring one and setting up another two.
