Boys U16 (2009) Premier - Fairview Rangers AFC

Fairview Rangers 3-0 Naas AFC

A Tough Exit, But Lessons to Be Learned

In the Last 32 of the National Cup, Naas AFC faced a strong Fairview Rangers side in a game that could either be a day to forget or a day to learn from. While the final scoreline may not have gone in their favor, Naas showed resilience, fighting spirit, and a determination that will serve them well in future challenges.

First Half: A Hard-Fought Battle

From the first whistle, Fairview came out attacking, while Naas looked to find their rhythm and impose their passing game.

In the 4th minute, Brody Power displayed solid defensive work, drawing a foul and relieving some early pressure. Naas then looked to create their own chances, with Ryan Murtagh forcing a corner in the 6th minute. However, just a minute later, an unfortunate moment saw young Conor Murtagh forced off after a brave tackle left him with a nasty cut to his shin.

With Naas adjusting, Fairview gained momentum and should have taken the lead in the 9th minute, but a glaring miss from two yards out spared Naas. Moments later, another headed attempt from the home side sailed just wide.

Naas tried to respond through Huey Phelan, who made a dazzling run down the wing, only to run out of space. The visitors came close again in the 18th minute when Dawid delivered a superb cross to Ryan Murtagh, whose effort was well saved by the Fairview keeper.

However, just a minute later, a defensive mistake gifted Fairview the opening goal as they tapped home to make it 1-0.

Naas refused to back down, with Phelan testing the keeper with a half-volley and then again from a free kick. On 30 minutes, Conor Fagan fired over after great build-up play from Phelan and Murtagh. Dawid also had an effort just over the bar in the 31st minute.

Just before halftime, Naas nearly found an equalizer. A brilliant dribbling run from Liam Mescal set up Liam O’Shea, who found Murtagh, only for him to be fouled just outside the box. Murtagh took the free kick, but his effort went agonizingly wide. 1-0 at halftime, with everything still to play for.

Second Half: Chasing the Game

Naas came out determined to push forward. A long kickout in the 46th minute found Fagan, who used his strength to hold off his marker before delivering a dangerous ball across goal—unfortunately, no one was there to capitalize.

Just a minute later, Fairview doubled their lead with a quick counterattack, making it 2-0 and putting Naas on the back foot.

Despite the setback, Naas kept pushing, launching long-range efforts from Jack Tilly and Jack Campbell, but neither could trouble the Fairview keeper.

The best chance for Naas came in the 63rd minute when a perfectly delivered free kick from Mescal found Oran Sherry at the back post, but his header bounced agonizingly wide.

With Naas throwing everything forward in search of a goal, they were caught on the break, and Fairview sealed the win with a third goal just before the final whistle. Final score: 3-0.

Final Thoughts

On the day, Fairview took their chances, but there was little between the two sides in terms of quality. What was evident, however, was the relentless spirit of Naas AFC. They never stopped battling, never gave up, and will take valuable lessons from this experience.

As they move forward, this game will serve as a stepping stone—a reminder that success comes from persistence, growth, and learning from setbacks.

We move on. We learn. And we come back stronger.

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