Match Report: Naas AFC vs FC Eagles
**Result**: Naas AFC 2 – 3 FC Eagles (AET)
**Competition**: U17 FAI Cup – Last 16
**Date**: Saturday, 17 January 2026, 14:30
The long-awaited return to competitive football hit an emotional chord for Naas AFC as they faced FC Eagles in a thrilling encounter that showcased both heart and skill. Despite the final outcome being a stinging defeat, the performance from Naas was nothing short of inspiring.
The game began with a tentative approach from Naas, a natural reaction after such a long break. Initial pressure from the Eagles was quickly absorbed, and within ten minutes, Naas began to establish their own rhythm.
Naas came close to scoring first in the 17th minute when Mattias Azzopardi rounded the goalkeeper only to see his shot disallowed for offside. This setback ignited an impressive spell for the home side. Just a minute later, Azzopardi again found himself in a promising position, but his follow-up was thwarted by a remarkable save from the Eagles’ keeper.
At the other end, Alex Higgins made a stunning world-class save, keeping Naas firmly in the game. Huey Phelan, finding more space down the left, tested the Eagles’ defense with a curling effort from 20 yards that was saved on the 22nd minute.
The breakthrough for Naas came in the 23rd minute. With sheer pace and determination, Ryan Murtagh dashed past his marker to deliver a precise low cross. Phelan timed his run to perfection, curling the ball into the net for a well-deserved 1-0 lead. Just four minutes later, Phelan turned provider, slipping captain Dawid Kolter through on goal, who responded with the composure of a seasoned player, slotting home to extend the lead to 2-0.
Naas looked in total control, particularly in defense where Thady Gilltrap, Jake Dooley, Jack Tilly, and Matthew Greene formed an impenetrable wall. However, a controversial refereeing decision awarded the Eagles a penalty at the 36-minute mark, which they converted to pull one back, making it 2-1 at halftime and shifting the momentum in their favor.
Emerging from the break, the Eagles appeared rejuvenated and equalized in the 56th minute with a long-range strike that Higgins could not reach. Despite a foul in the build-up that went unnoticed due to the blinding sun, Naas refused to back down, pressing forward once more.
The 70th minute saw a frantic goalmouth scramble in the Eagles’ box. Sean Onwere’s close-range effort was saved from the tightest of angles, a rebound volley by Conor Fagan was brilliantly blocked, and a goal-bound shot by Phelan was cleared off the line. In a dramatic finish, Onwere nearly grabbed a late winner, narrowly missing a fizzing low cross at the back post.
With scores level at full-time, the match went into extra time. Although running on fumes, Naas gave everything they had. In the first minute of extra time, Phelan served an outrageous ball over the top for Fagan, whose shot struck the side netting after rounding the keeper. Isaac Cramer continuously pushed forward, forcing saves from long range, while Liam O’Shea battled through cramps, even managing a header just before the half-time whistle of extra time.
The second period of extra time was a tense affair, culminating in heartbreak for Naas as the Eagles snatched a last-minute goal. The final whistle blew, securing the victory for the Eagles with a scoreline of Naas AFC 2 – FC Eagles 3 after extra time.
Despite the pain of defeat, Naas AFC’s performance was commendable. The defensive unit demonstrated qualities that would instill fear in any opponent. Midfielders Kolter and O’Shea showed relentless energy, while Phelan’s creativity and Azzopardi’s pressing always kept the Eagles on their toes.
This match may go down in the books as a loss, but in spirit, character, and performance, Naas AFC delivered a stirring display. Next up is a clash against Athy Town, and the Eagles should be on high alert.