KDFL Lumsden League Cup (Round 2)
Naas United FC 2 St Anthonys Youths FC 1
Senior Division side Naas Untied FC progressed to the quarter finals of the KDFL Lumsden League Cup on Saturday evening when they overcame Division 1 side St Anthony’s youths FC by the odd goal in three. A depleted Naas side were to be complimented on the preparation of their grounds following torrential rain, in fact the rain never abated throughout the ninety minutes, making underfoot conditions very difficult to navigate.
It was the Division 1 side who struct first when the impressive Ross O Brien struck a beautiful volley following a corner to the top corner of the Naas net after ten minutes, making it four goals from four outing for the player. Following the visitors goal Naas laid siege to the Antos half and only some solid defending from Aaron Ngai and Colin O Brien kept the home side’s target men Ross O Callaghan, Daragh Faherty and Richie French at bay to protect their slender lead.
With Naas peppering the Antos danger area it was only a matter of time before they eequalised and they did so in fashion just ten minutes before the break when French struck a corner which was parried by Antos’s Keeper Martin O Tootle, however Robbie Garvey was on hand to fire home Naas’s equalizer from the loose ball. Both side’s went in deadlocked at 1-1 at the break with all to play for.
Naas again creating a huge amount of chances in the second half but again wayward finishing was costing them untill Daragh Faherty struck a wonder goal from thirty yards leaving Anthony's keeper with no chance. The visitors continued to create chances but somehow a third goal eluded them .The game finished 2-1 to United and they can look forward now to the quarter finals and getting a large number of their players back .Best for Naas were Matthew Drewitt, Jordy Martella , Daragh Faherty and man of the match Keith Higgins. Best for St Anthonys were Ross O Brien, Martin Sullivan with their captain Ben Merrins being their man of the match.