Boys U15 (2010) Premier - Kilcullen
On a lovely Saturday morning, we kicked off at 10.00am against our old rivals Kilcullen. These teams have been the best two teams in the premier league for the past 3 years, with Kilcullen winning 2 leagues vs 1 for Naas. There has been less than a point between both teams over the last 3 seasons, a credit to both teams.
Game kicked off with Naas pressing from the start and looking well up to beat the champions. After an initial bright start from us, we were caught with a sucker punch of a goal from Kilcullen. The defence failed to deal with a cross into the box and it fell to a Kilcullen player who tapped in from close range. Naas came roaring back and after an extended period of pressure, won a corner on the left. Adam Bracken swung in a peach of a ball and Max Galvin volleyed it home into the top of the net with his RIGHT foot from six yards. Game On!! Game was in full flow now, with both sides trading punches, and having half chances at either end. Kilcullen went back in front, with a very fortunate goal. Naas attack broke down and Kilcullen launched a long hopeful ball over the top, With some hesitation between Naas defence and goalkeeper, Kilcullen striker toe poked past Matthew McCarthy and slotted into the empty net.
Naas came storming back, with the goal of the game. Kilcullen went long, but Sean Stafford rose well to power an accurate header into midfield, Oisin Lynch helped the ball to Aaron O Donnell, who came off his centre half to drop into midfield. Aaron turned just inside the Kilcullen half and played a perfect through ball for James McGrath to run onto. The fox in the box was not going to fluff his lines and took one touch to steady himself and slide the ball past the goalkeeper into the fair corner. 2-2!!!!!!
Just before half time and with the game settling down, Kilcullen went back in front, when a misplaced pass by Naas on the edge of their box was intercepted by Kilcullen midfielder who burst through and scored into the corner.
Second half kicked off and the game slowed down considerably with Kilcullen looking to consolidate their lead. There was very little to choose between the teams in the first 15 minutes and chances were at a premium. Naas mgt began to ring the chances as the September heat began to tell on the lads, who has put in a massive shift. One of the subs Donnacha Hickey worked a bit of magic on the left and whipped in a stunning ball to the back post, which Sean Stafford was inches away from connecting with.
Naas were back on top and created a couple of more chances with Ned Keogh having a good impact of the bench, and Lochlainn Quinn going close with the header, after another decent delivery from Adam Bracken.
Our stand in Goalkeeper, Matthew McCarthy was called into action with a brilliant save low into the corner. Naas pushed for the equalizer and went 3-3-4, which gave Kilcullen chances on the counter. But Freddy Cowdell, Tadgh O Neill and Cormac Donegan dealt with the Kilcullen attack. Cormac defended brilliantly to clean off the line from one such attack. With 10 minutes left Kilcullen went on a quick counter, with Naas pushed up, their striker was heading into the box to score. Aaron O Donnell made up 10 yards and put in a wonderful tackle and knocked the ball out for a corner. Unbelievably the referee pointed to the spot for a penalty!!!! Naas team and mgt were in shock, the Naas ultras were not happy, with Latte cups hitting the ground in disgust. Kilcullen tucked the spot kick away for 4-2, with 10 minutes to go.
Kilcullen managed the last 10 minutes comfortably, delaying kick outs, frees, corners. Good game management.
Naas can consider themselves very unlucky and deserved something from this game away to the Champions. It is a long season ahead and no doubt we will meet them for another cracking match. Fair play to both teams, who look to play football the right way, and despite the healthy rivalry on the pitch, shook hands after the game and had a laugh with Kilcullen lads.
Best for Naas on the day were Aaron O Donnell, James McGrath , Sean Stafford, and special word of mention to Matthew McCarthy who stepped up to go in goal for the team, as James Lennon out injured.
This report is not biased in any way!!!!!!!!!!
