Smith’s double not enough as Naas pay the penalty
Naas AFC’s U14 Premier side came up agonisingly short against league favourites Kilcock Celtic, shipping three second-half goals to lose 3-2 after leading 2-0.
The young guns flew out of the traps. Debutant Senan Smith struck twice in four first-half minutes — racing clear to slot home on 16 minutes, then pouncing on a defensive mix-up to double the lead on 20.
But the afternoon began in the worst possible fashion before a ball was kicked. Skipper Jamie Dunphy dislocated a knee in the build-up and was rushed to Tallaght Hospital by ambulance. Everyone at the club wishes Jamie a speedy recovery.
With Charlie also absent, stand-in captain Jason Gleeson led from the front in midfield, while Kian Shanaghy bravely stepped out of goal to fill in at centre-back. Sean Liston made his debut between the sticks as one of six competitive debutants.
Disaster struck after the break. Two penalties and a close-range finish in a frantic five-minute spell turned 2-0 into 3-2, leaving Naas with nothing to show for a fine first half.
Match Facts
- Result: Naas AFC 2–3 Kilcock Celtic
- Competition: U14 Premier League
- Scorers: Senan Smith (2)
- Man of the Match: Jason Gleeson
