Match Report: Boys U17 (2009) Premier 5:1 Monasterevin AFC

Boys U17 (2009) Premier 5:1 Monasterevin AFC

Date: 26 Jan

First Half

Match Report: Naas AFC 5 – 1 Monasterevin

(Mentality Monsters Back in Full Force)

On a rain-soaked pitch with conditions far from ideal, Naas AFC delivered a scintillating performance to bounce back from their previous defeat in emphatic fashion. This 5-1 victory against Monasterevin was a masterclass in resilience, teamwork, and sheer determination.

First Half: Fighting Through the Storm

From the outset, it was clear this game would be a battle. The first few minutes were scrappy, with neither side able to take control. Naas created the first chance through Mattias, whose effort went just wide. Monasterevin responded with an attack of their own, but their early attempt sailed harmlessly over the bar.

As Monasterevin began to find joy down the wing, Naas’s defense stood firm. Brody Power set the tone with a crucial tackle in the 10th minute, Jake Dooley followed suit with a perfectly timed challenge just five minutes later.

The conditions made it difficult to play Naas’s signature passing game, Monasterevin capitalized on a defensive mix-up to take the lead in the 18th minute. The soggy pitch and heavy ball contributed to a moment of pinball chaos in the Naas box, with Matthew Greene heroically blocking what seemed like a certain second goal for the visitors.

This moment seemed to ignite a spark in Naas. The introduction of Ryan Murtagh gave them a fresh attacking edge. His dribbling run and powerful shot, though saved by the keeper, signaled the turning tide. The equalizer came in the 28th minute when Liam Mescal delivered a pinpoint cross into the box. A defensive error allowed Conor Fagan, ever the sharp shooter, to pounce and slot home.

Second Half

From there, it was all Naas. Huey Phelan began to dictate the game from midfield, showing composure and vision. A stunning strike from Ryan Murtagh in the 37th minute, cutting inside and unleashing a thunderbolt, made it 2-1. Just before halftime, Fagan almost stole the show with a spectacular bicycle kick that grazed the outside of the post.

The second half was a masterclass from Naas. Pressing high, winning every ball, and displaying silky passing combinations, they left Monasterevin chasing shadows.

Just six minutes after the restart, the Murtagh brothers combined beautifully. Conor Murtagh’s relentless pressure and precise low pass across the box set up Ryan Murtagh for his second goal, making it 3-1.

Naas smelled blood, and three minutes later, Phelan, who was instrumental throughout, intercepted the ball high up the pitch and coolly slotted it under the keeper for 4-1. At this stage, Naas was in complete control, and the visitors had no answers.

The final nail in Monasterevin’s coffin came courtesy of Conor Murtagh. With a sublime touch and an even better strike, he found the far corner to make it 5-1. It was the perfect cap to a dominant performance, Naas could have added more if not for the final whistle coming early at the request of the opposition.

This was a game where every single player excelled. From the defensive solidity of Curran, Power, Tilly, Dooley and Greene to the creativity of Mescal. Phelan, the workrate of Luca, Mattias, O Shea and Kolter, the calmness of Campbell and the finishing of the Murtagh brothers and Fagan, Naas demonstrated their full potential.

Naas AFC’s resilience and hunger to bounce back from adversity were on full display. They have proven, yet again, why they are a team to be feared.

Next Up: With this confidence-boosting win, Naas marches on, ready to face their next challenge with momentum firmly in their favor.