Saturday 21st March 2026 | Boys U13 Premier | Kilcock Celtic 4–0 Naas AFC
FOOTBALL can be a cruel, unforgiving game. And on Saturday morning at the astroturf in Bawnogue, Naas AFC’s U13 Premier side learned that bitter lesson in the hardest possible way.
They were the better team for 45 minutes. They created the chances. They dominated possession. And then, in the space of 90 devastating seconds, it all fell apart — and Kilcock Celtic didn’t look back.
There was a beautiful moment before kick-off as both captains posed together, holding a poster promoting ‘Football is for Everyone’ — a powerful display of solidarity that united the two sides before a ball had even been kicked. A reminder that regardless of results, this game is about something far bigger.
And for the first half, Naas AFC showed they could compete with anyone. Hin Ngo terrorised the Kilcock defence relentlessly. Peter McBride delivered a superb set-piece delivery that had Kellum Finnegan’s goal-bound volley agonisingly wide. Kian Shanaghy went close from a free kick. Naas were dominant, dangerous, and in control.
Then came the moment that changed everything. Hin Ngo broke clean through — one on one with the keeper — the chance was there for the taking. The covering defender scrambled back, got a touch, and the chance was gone. No goal. No reward for 40 minutes of brilliant football.
The second half began with Kilcock finding their rhythm. And with ten minutes gone, Jamie Dunphy clipped a gorgeous ball over the top for Hin Ngo — another clear opportunity. The shot hit the wrong side of the near post. Agonising. Ninety seconds later, a defensive mix-up gifted Kilcock’s striker a clear run on goal and he lobbed it beautifully over goalkeeper Finn Dudley. 1-0 Kilcock. And Naas, so dominant for so long, visibly crumbled.
The heads dropped. The passes rushed. The tackles panicked. Kilcock — now smelling blood — pounced ruthlessly. A headed second from a left-sided cross. A penalty. A fourth goal. 4-0. The floodgates, once opened, simply would not close.
There are 18 precious league points still to play for, and this Naas side are more than capable of fighting for every single one of them. But first? A massive cup tie next Saturday — away to Kill Celtic M1, who’ve lost just twice all season. A test of character. A chance to respond.
Naas AFC — dust yourself off. The opportunity to answer back is right around the corner. 💙