Monasterevin 1 vs 2 Naas AFC

MONASTEREVIN 1 - 2 NAAS AFC.

Another hard fought win leaves us top of the league by 4 points.

A great strike by full debutant Jamie D'Arcy got the match off to a great start a right footed rocket from about 30 yards out flew into the net after a great move down the left.

Naas then lost captain Ben Holmes through injury after 15 minutes, with the returning Cian Mullaly coming on. Things went from bad to worse for Naas after the referee awarded a controversial indirect free kick to Monasterevin after a deflection was caught by the Naas keeper Daragh Nolan. Monasterevin duly scored from this controversial decision with an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net. Kevin Kelly went close with a dipping volley late in the half. Naas then began to play football again with Matty Drewitt dictating play in the centre of the pitch as the second half began. The rest of the team started to put a shift in with some scintillating football being played in spells. Jamie D'Arcy again went close hitting the post from 20 yards out after good build up play by Paul Walsh and Aido Comerford on the left wing. Kevin Kelly also went close but his shot just lacked the necessary power after a great move involving Cian Mullaly and Rob Hughes on the right wing. With 25 minutes to go Manager Holmes went for broke bringing on winger Niall Kelly for centre back Terry Behan, shuffling the unflappable Conor Mc Philips into the centre of the defence, this decision was to pay off as Niall was instrumental in the lead up to a fantastic goal by Alex Maher who dribbled past three player before finishing low into the bottom corner with 7 minutes remaining. The Naas support were ecstatic with this dramatic winner! The Naas rearguard manager to deal with the threat posed by the opposition for the last few minutes. Paul Walsh then went close with a dipping volley from 40 yards which was tipped onto the bar by the opposition keeper. This victory leaves Naas 4 points clear at the top of table!

Player ratings

Daragh Nolan 7.5

Conor Mac Philips 8

Terry Behan 7.5 (off for Niall Kelly 66)

Paul Walsh 7.5

Aido Comerford 7.5

Rob Hughes 7.5

Matty Drewitt 8.5 (Man of the match)

Ben Holmes 7 (Captain, off for Mullaly 15)

Jamie D'Arcy 8.5

Alex Maher 7.5

Kevin Kelly 7.5