A 2-2 draw was the least that the Naas girls’ U12 Major side deserved against Clane United at the Sports Centre on Sunday.

Naas dominated almost from start to finish but they were 2-0 behind with time running out after conceding twice to a much-improved Clane team.

The home side could have been forgiven for thinking that this just wasn’t their day. Instead, they pushed and pushed for the full hour and got their rewards with late goals from Ava Hartigan and Aoife Flanagan.

This thrilling comeback was a brilliant way to finish and it followed the earlier game when the U12 Premier team fought back to claim a draw of their own when trailing 5-3.

Every player played a huge part in this entertaining match.

Lauren O’Reilly had to go long spells with little to do but Clane were always on the break and the Naas goalkeeper showed huge bravery and intelligence in coming out to shut down one-on-ones. Some fine saves closer to her line sealed her performance.

Alanna Fossland continued a great season at right-back, and in the center, Alex Brereton made significant contributions both defensively and offensively, meanwhile, Abbygail O’Connor had stints at the back and further up where she made a crucial assist for the first Naas goal.

Ava Hartigan scored that opener from close range and she gave an all-round end-to-end display from midfield. So too did Evie Dodd, whose work and trickery on the ball posed all sorts of challenges for Clane.

Captain Layla Drewitt displayed her usual silky skills in midfield, and Lainey Bolger showcased her talent on the right before feeding the defense with a brilliant display at right-back, preventing at least three clear-cut goal opportunities.

Alana Leydon, as always, made large contributions with and without the ball before coming off after the break with an injury. Cora Morgan never stopped working and in the attack, Aoife Flanagan persistently tested the Clane defence with strong dribbling and powerful shooting.

Flanagan had a stunning duel with the Clane goalkeeper, and her goal, the equaliser, came with just minutes to spare.

What a fantastic team performance from the Naas girls!