Boys U16 (2009) Premier - Ashford Rovers AFC
Ashford Rovers 0 - Naas AFC 10: A Total Domination
It’s not often you see a team score 10 goals in a match, but Naas AFC delivered an unforgettable performance in their 10-0 victory over Ashford Rovers. This match wasn’t just about the final score; it was about the mentality, teamwork, and relentless pressure Naas brought to every moment of the game. Despite a few hurdles—playing on a poor-quality pitch, a late Sunday fixture, and a change of venue—Naas were determined to show their strength, and from the very first whistle, they did just that.
Early Pressure and Quick Goals
Ashford kicked off the game, but it was Naas who immediately asserted their dominance. The opening minutes were scrappy, but Naas looked far more composed, looking to pass and create chances from the start. The first real opportunity came from a corner by Ryan Murtagh, which was met by Oran Sherry’s header, but Ashford’s keeper was able to make the save. However, just moments later, Sherry's perseverance paid off. He was first to react to a melee in the six-yard box, pouncing on the loose ball to open the scoring in the 6th minute.
At 1-0, Naas were in full control, and they didn’t let up. Just a few minutes later, Liam O’Shea struck a low shot from 20 yards that found the bottom corner of the net, making it 2-0. Naas continued to press and dominated possession, with Ashford rarely able to break out of their own half. The early exchanges were completely in Naas’ favor, and it was clear they were intent on extending their lead.
Defensive Mastery and Quick Transitions
Despite their attacking dominance, Naas’ defense was just as solid. Ashford had one promising counter-attack, with their striker through on goal, but Christy Reilly produced a remarkable goal-line clearance to prevent a goal. Minutes later, another Ashford striker was one-on-one with Naas keeper Ollie, but he pulled off a vital save to keep the score at 2-0.
Naas continued to create chances with swift counter-attacks, using long kick-outs from Ollie to launch quick attacks. One such kick-out found captain Dawid, who threaded a perfect through ball to Conor Fagan, who slotted home calmly to make it 3-0. Just moments later, Fagan was at it again, receiving a pass from Sherry and turning quickly to place the ball in the back of the net for Naas’ fourth goal.
The tackles came thick and fast from Naas’ defenders. Jake Dooley delivered a thundering tackle on 23 minutes, and Jack Tilly was equally resolute in his defensive duties, winning possession and creating chances going forward. On 29 minutes, Naas could have been 6 or 7 up, as they continued to put Ashford under constant pressure, creating opportunities with nearly every attack.
The Pressure Builds
By the half-hour mark, Naas were relentless, with the ball moving with pace and precision across the pitch. On 33 minutes, Huey made a brilliant run down the line and cut inside, only to be impeded by an Ashford defender—possibly a penalty shout—but Huey stayed on his feet and kept the play going. As Naas continued to dominate, Matthias fired a snap shot that was saved, and on 35 minutes, a stunning strike from Ryan Murtagh thundered off the crossbar, leaving Naas inches from extending their lead.
By the time the half-time whistle blew, Naas were already 4-0 up. It was an extraordinary half of football, with brilliant defensive displays, creative attacking football, and a clinical finishing touch. The game was firmly in Naas’ hands, but the second half promised more.
Second Half: Naas Don’t Let Up
The second half started with Naas picking up where they left off. Liam O’Shea netted his second goal of the game early on, thanks to a precise assist from Brody Power. Just minutes later, Conor Murtagh—playing like a seasoned striker—rounded the Ashford keeper to score Naas’ sixth goal, making it 6-0. Naas maintained their high intensity and did not take their foot off the gas.
On 47 minutes, Power had a chance to score, but the pitch played its part, and his shot was saved by Ashford’s keeper. The relentless pressure from Naas continued, with Dooley and Tilly forming an unbreakable defensive unit, and the midfield constantly recycling possession and pushing forward.
Further Goals and Unstoppable Play
As the game entered the final 30 minutes, Ashford were completely overwhelmed. On 55 minutes, a poor kick-out from the Ashford keeper was seized upon by Mattias, who played Murtagh through to score his second goal of the game, making it 7-0. At 61 minutes, Dooley’s strong tackle and quick thinking put Naas on the attack again, with Matthew Greene trying his luck from distance, only to see his shot drift just wide.
In the 64th minute, a brilliant cross from Liam Mescal found Luca at the far post, and he volleyed home to make it 8-0. Four minutes later, Mescal got his reward, tapping in a pass from Ryan Murtagh for Naas’ ninth goal.
The best was saved for last. In the 72nd minute, Fagan, who had already scored twice, unleashed an audacious 25-yard curling shot that found the top corner of the goal for a sensational hat-trick, making it 10-0. The Naas players were jubilant, and their supporters were in full voice as they witnessed a dominant performance.
Final Moments
As the game neared its conclusion, Naas remained in full control. The final chance of the match fell to Jake Dooley, whose header from a Power cross went just wide of the post. The referee, seeing enough, blew the final whistle early, knowing Naas had well and truly delivered a comprehensive, ruthless 10-0 victory.
This was a game where every player played their part. From Ollie in goal to the front line of Fagan and Murtagh, Naas were simply unstoppable. Ashford were simply no match for the strength, skill, and intensity that Naas brought to the field. It was a perfect example of a team functioning as a unit, with a collective mentality and a determination to perform at the highest level. The final scoreline told the story—10 goals, no goals conceded—Naas were flawless.
