GUTSY NAAS FIGHT TO THE WIRE BUT SUFFER HEARTBREAK AGAINST CLINICAL BOYS U16 (2011) MAJOR
A fiercely contested battle ended in heartbreak for Naas AFC’s Boys U17 (2010) Major 1 side as clinical Boys U16 (2011) Major snatched the spoils in an action-packed clash on Mon, 21 Sep 2026.
Developmental Game U17 Major 1 v U16 Major
Boys U17 (2010) Major 1 – Boys U16 (2011) Major
Boys U17 (2010) Major 1
Boys U16 (2011) Major
Developmental Game U17 Major 1 v U16 Major
Mon, 21 Sep 2026, 19:00
: Under-16 Major (Friendly)*
Date: Mon, 21-Sep-26
*Pre-Match & Warm-Up*
The earlier kick-off meant a few lads turned up late, which wasn't unexpected.
Naas cut the usual 60-minute warm-up down to 45 minutes so Naas could start a little later at 6:15 p.m., rather than 6:00 p.m.
Overall, the warm-up wasn't where it needed to be. The lads weren't fully switched on, and there was a bit of messing about.
Part of that is natural. It’s a social sport, and the lads really need 10 to 15 minutes of chatting to get it out of their system before they can lock in.
From a coaching perspective, Naas're still refining the pre-match routine so Naas can jump straight into drills without needing to stop and explain them. Repetition is going to be key there so it becomes second nature.
*First & Second Thirds*
*Final Third: The Blueprint*
After the second period, Daniel gave the lads a brilliant talk on motivation, challenging them not to give the under-16s the bragging rights.
The reaction in that final third was outstanding.
The intensity was brilliant right to the end, with Ben reluctantly subbed for a few minutes after a knock, and Cameron caming off worst in a 50/50 challenge that's put him into a moon boot for a few days.
As their coach said after the whistle, that last period felt like a proper cup final with the passion and pressure on display.
*Reflections & Moving Forward*
In the first period, Naas looked like two separate teams on the pitch, with the forwards and defenders watching each other rather than working together.
That final third is the blueprint going forward: the unity, the passion, and playing as one complete unit from front to back.
Heads held high, lads — the courage, work rate, and flashes of sheer brilliance prove this squad is ready to bounce back even stronger!
Match Facts
- Result: Naas AFC 1 – 2 Boys U16 (2011) Major
- Team: Boys U17 (2010) Major 1
- Date: Mon, 21 Sep 2026
- Notable Performers / Scorers: Team Effort
