**U14s Edge U15s in Entertaining Pre-Season Contest**
Under the dazzling lights of Pitch 1 at the Sports Centre, the Naas U14 Major and Naas U15 Major 2 teams clashed in a thrilling friendly match on Friday evening. This early-season encounter proved a fantastic opportunity for players and coaches to shake off the rust before competitive play recommences.
On paper, the U14s faced a considerable physical test, as the U15 squad was notably taller and stronger. However, the younger team displayed remarkable composure from the start, passing the ball with precision and forcing their older opponents into relentless chasing for possession.
Their early pressure paid dividends just 14 minutes in. A beautifully executed corner from Josh Richardson caused chaos in the U15 defence, and Michal Mazur was right there at the back post to flick the ball into the net.
But the U15s were quick to respond. Gaining momentum through the match, they leveled the score at the half-hour mark with a corner of their own. After the U14 defence failed to clear, Lucas Parajes seized on the loose ball and fired it home from eight yards out. With both teams exchanging control, the first half concluded at a tight 1-1.
As the second half ignited under artificial illumination, it was the U14s who struck again first. A hopeful ball forward disrupted the U15 back line, and after a defensive header fell awkwardly, Ben Cox capitalized, skillfully rounding goalkeeper Luke Brennan before slotting home with his left foot.
The balance was restored shortly before the hour mark when the U14s lost possession in their own half. Senan Coultry made a powerful run, finishing cleanly into the bottom corner past Hayden Taaffe’s reach to make it 2-2.
With the match finely poised at 2-2, both teams pushed hard for a game-changing third goal, which came in a spectacular fashion. Mazur, influential throughout the game, threaded a pinpoint pass from the left to a sprinting Richardson. Despite Brennan’s charge, Richardson kept his cool, lifting the ball into the top corner to give his team a 3-2 lead.
The final flourish belonged to the U14s. In the dying moments, slick passing down the left wing sent Oscar Dolan into the penalty area. With a deft touch and a swift pivot, he created the perfect angle and finished emphatically into the side netting—a goal that epitomized the technical prowess on display.
As the final whistle blew, fans were treated to an absorbing contest that highlighted the strengths of both teams. For the U14s, their 4-2 victory against older opposition serves as a resounding confidence boost. For the U15s, the spirit shown in equalizing will be encouraging as the competitive season approaches.
A hearty thanks to Colm O’Connor for officiating amid numerous questionable calls!
**Watch the full match** [here](https://www.youtube.com/embed/faQS2bxLBA0).
**See all the goals** [here](https://www.youtube.com/embed/q9zdxb4kLZU).