Boys U16 (2009) Premier - Kilcock Celtic
Match Report: Naas AFC 5 - 4 Kilcock Celtic
(A Thrilling Comeback Sends Naas Into the Semifinals)
In a breathtaking cup tie, Naas AFC battled back from an early two-goal deficit to secure a thrilling 5-4 victory over Kilcock Celtic. This game epitomized resilience, teamwork, and the never-say-die attitude that has become synonymous with Naas this season.
First Half Drama
Kilcock started strongly, catching Naas off guard in the opening minutes. Their persistence paid off in the 4th minute, breaking through Naas’s defense to take an early 1-0 lead. Naas responded with attacking intent, as Brody Power’s marauding run down the right set up Jake Pitt Byrne for a chance that was blocked for a corner. From the resulting set piece, Jake Dooley narrowly missed connecting.
Kilcock doubled their lead in the 12th minute with a free kick that created chaos in the Naas box. Amid the confusion, the ball ricocheted into the net, making it 2-0. Despite the setback, Naas refused to crumble. Conor Fagan reignited their hopes with a clever low strike in the 22nd minute that slipped through the keeper’s hands, cutting the deficit to 2-1.
The game was end-to-end, with Olly making crucial saves to deny Kilcock further goals. Naas’s captain Dawid then delivered a moment of brilliance in the 39th minute, volleying a loose ball through a crowded box into the top corner to level the score at 2-2. However, just before halftime, a controversial offside decision went against Naas, allowing Kilcock to reclaim the lead at 3-2.
Second Half Turnaround
The halftime team talk from the Naas coaching staff reminded the players of their quality and grit. Three minutes into the second half, their renewed energy paid off. Liam O’Shea’s long-range effort was spilled by the Kilcock keeper, and Fagan was on hand to pounce and equalize at 3-3.
Moments later, Fagan completed his hat trick with a stunning turn and finish, giving Naas the lead for the first time at 4-3. This marked a turning point as Naas began to dominate, playing with high intensity and cohesive teamwork. O’Shea’s defensive interception led to a sublime outside-of-the-boot pass to Liam Mescal, whose cross set up Oran Sherry for a chance that narrowly missed.
Naas extended their lead in the 63rd minute when Mescal, ever-reliable from set pieces, curled a direct free kick over the wall and past the keeper to make it 5-3. The Kilcock keeper must have been dreading seeing Mescal lining up that shot.
Late Game Tension
With Naas seemingly in control, Kilcock earned a penalty in the 70th minute. However, Olly’s intimidating presence in goal unsettled the taker, who sent the shot wide. Huey Phelan and Jake Dooley continued to anchor the defense with heroic last-ditch tackles, denying Kilcock a way back into the game.
In the 78th minute, Kilcock pressed forward, but Naas’s defensive pairing of Tilly and Dooley stood firm. Huey’s tireless defending epitomized the team’s spirit, as he single-handedly thwarted a dangerous four-player attack.
As stoppage time approached, Kilcock capitalized on a rare Naas mistake to make it 5-4. Despite the late pressure, Naas’s composure shone through as they saw out the game with disciplined defending and smart game management.
Final Thoughts
From 0-2 down to a 5-4 victory, this was a testament to Naas AFC’s resilience and belief. Every player contributed to this incredible comeback, with standout performances from Fagan, Mescal, Dawid, and Olly. With this hard-earned victory, Naas marches into the semifinals, fueled by determination and a winning mentality.
Next Stop: The semifinals!
