SUPER NAAS ROAR! PULSATING DERBY HEROICS SEAL DRAMATIC VICTORY OVER ARLINGTON!
What a performance! Naas AFC’s Boys U11 (2015) Blue superstars put on an absolute masterclass on Sat, 10 Oct 2026, roaring to an emphatic Arlington AFC 0–3 Naas AFC derby triumph over Arlington!
It was a cool, dry morning in Arlington. The pitch was slightly soft and the grass longer than usual, so the game played a bit slower than Naas're used to.
The lads have transitioned really well to the 9v9 game in recent weeks. Naas've settled on a 3-1-3-1 (or 3-4-1 diamond), which lets most players play in familiar roles after a couple of seasons of 2-3-1 and 3-2-1 in the smaller format.
The one genuinely new role is the CDM. Since the Newbridge Town game Charlie has made it his own, growing in confidence each week as he learns the different sides of the position.
In attack the shape pushes into a 2-3-3, or a 2-2-4 when Naas're going all out. One full back (usually Finn) advances, and the wingers and sometimes the CAM join the striker up top. That means the wingers and midfield need a high work rate on turnovers to stop counter attacks. With strong engines in the middle of the pitch it plays to the strengths.
Arlington have been tough opponents for the Blues in the past. the last visit was a thrilling 3-2 win, with their keeper outstanding on the day, so Naas knew this could be a potential banana skin if Naas weren't at it.
The home side set up very conservatively. Early in the first half they attacked with only three players, holding five around the halfway line to mark the one advanced player. The plan was clearly to absorb pressure and catch Naas on the break.
Unsurprisingly, Naas had long spells of possession and threatened mostly down the flanks, with Rory on the left and Seb on the right a handful for their full backs.
Michael deputised really well at left back for the absent Cillian, and with Freddie and Finn he was well in command at the back, dealing comfortably with Arlington's rare attacks.
Naas broke the deadlock after ten minutes. Rory drifted to the opposite flank, found space and delivered a lovely high cross to find Charlie at the edge of the area. Charlie's first touch took it out to his left, and with his second he blasted it through the bodies into the bottom right corner, giving the keeper no chance.
Shortly after came a tactical switch with the wingers swapping sides. Getting each of them onto the side that allowed them work towards the end line and pull crosses back on their stronger foot.
The opening goal relieved the pressure. Naas kept dominating the ball and creating half chances, when on around twenty minutes Rory threaded a pass into Seamie's feet just inside the box. Surrounded by defenders, nothing seemed on, but with some clever footwork he squeezed the ball between two players onto his right foot, and tucked it past the keeper for a goal on his competitive debut.
The half-time message was about focus and holding onto the lead. Too often this season Naas've conceded from winning positions by losing the shape as players push forward to get in on the action.
Naas weathered a couple of Arlington attacks early in the second half, and that seemed to take the sting out of them. Oisin and Fionn were introduced in place of Seamie and Faniel. Within minutes of coming on Oisin pounced on a chance to grab his third goal of the competition. That's exactly what Naas need from players coming on.
After that the home side seemed to lose what fight they had left, and their coaches emptied the bench. Fionn was unlucky not to score from close range soon after. Rory, after an outstanding performance, made way for Patrick, who brought good energy on the right, while Robert came on for Michael and looked comfortable on his own SFAI debut. Seb kept pressing down the left and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.
At the final whistle the lads were through to Round 3, away in Wicklow against the winners of St Anthony's and Wicklow Rovers.
KDUL lead coach Fran Gibson was at the game, and said the team played well as a 9-a-side and that it was good to see the lads play as they normally do, rather than just at trials.
Tadhg; Michael, Freddie, Finn; Charlie; Rory, Faniel, Seb; Seamie
Oisin for Seamie (35'), Fionn for Faniel (35'), Patrick for Rory (38'), Robert for Michael (42')
With momentum building and confidence sky-high, this talented Naas squad has laid down a serious marker for the battles ahead. Up the Blues!
Match Facts
- Result: Arlington AFC 0 – 3 Naas AFC
- Team: Boys U11 (2015) Blue
- Date: Sat, 10 Oct 2026
- Notable Performers / Scorers: Oisin
