Boys U15 (2010) Premier - Athy
A tough and potential tricky tie away to Athy from the major league in the cup for the Prem team today. The lads put in a very solid performance on a poor pitch against a very physical Athy team. 5 goals and a clean sheet, you could not ask for much more from the lads, and a nice way to sign off on the Winter break.
Naas were largely on top from the start but it was very difficult to get the ball down and play, so Naas went a little more direct and used the pace of Ned Keogh & Aaron O Donnelll, who had the beating of the Athy defence every time. Naas opened the scoring following some good play from Evan Malone & Ned Keogh, Aaron O Donnell won some dirty ball and from a tight angle, drilled the ball into the bottom corner on the goalkeeper side. The goal settled Naas and they were completely on top at this stage, with Aaron and Ned going close on several occasions. The second arrived via the penalty spot, after some great work from Evan Malone, who was excellent today, went past a couple of Athy players and into the box, where he was brought down for a penalty. The initial spot kick was well stopped by the goalie from Adam Bracken, but the ref correctly ordered a re-take due to Athy players in the box. Aaron O Donnell stepped up this time and made no mistake.
Second half and Naas were playing down the hill and kept the pressure on Athy. Naas created 5-6 chances but failed to get the third which would have killed the tie. Best of those chances fell to Evan Moriarty, who made a great run through, but mis-hit the shot on his left. Donnacha Hickey who came on just after half time, was causing huge problems down the Athy left, with his pace and direct running.
The third arrived mid way through the second half following good play in the middle from Adam Bracken & Cian Leonard, The ball was played through on the right hand side of the box, with Evan Moriarty whipping in a great ball to the back post, The ball may have gone in, but Oisin Lynch made, sure and headed in from 2 yards. Oisin took a nice bang to the head for his troubles,
The 4th arrived a few minutes later, when Donnacha Hickey, outpaced the Athy defence, following good work from Fred Cowdell and Max Galvin,, Donnache played a ball right across the face of the goal, with Oisin Lynch on hand, to tap in his second of the day.
The 5th goal arrived from the spot again, when Aaron was up-ended by the Athy defender. Aaron dusted himself down and made no mistake, going into the same corner, to complete his hat-trick.
Best for Naas on the day, Ben Harrington was in complete control at the back, Evan Malone and Adam Bracken had control of the midfield, Max Galvin looked dangerous today, with Aaron collecting the match ball up top. Oisin ,Cian & Donnacha came off the bench and made a massive contribution.
Special mention to Alec Walsh, who came up from the 14's Prem team to step in nets for the day. Alec did not put a foot wrong and looked at home jumping up the year.
