Feature Game

Karina Donnelly Senior Cup Final.

Naas United FC 1 Clane United FC 0

The final match possesses an eerie sense of déjà vu, as both teams faced off in the Senior Division Cup finale last season at the same venue, at the excellently prepared Canal Road in Rathangan. In that thrilling encounter, Clane United emerged victorious after extra time, with a contentious penalty shootout ultimately deciding the winner. Fast forward twelve months, and while Clane has not consistently showcased its best football during the league campaign, the team has regained its form in cup competitions and is determined to hold onto its title as Senior Cup champions. Meanwhile, Naas United poses a different challenge this season. Under the guidance of Paul Lawlor and Ver Nolan, who have significantly invested in youth, Naas has revamped its style of play with immediate success. The lingering question is whether history will repeat itself with another Clane United win or if this marks a new chapter in Naas United's story.

Naas got off to a lightning-quick start, with Rhys Vaughan making a superb covering tackle to deny Jay Boyd within the opening two minutes, following good build-up play from Daragh Faherty. Neither side was able to assert control early on, as the game unfolded in a tense atmosphere, with both teams opting for a more direct approach. Clane United utilized Aidan Ralph and Eoghan Maguire, who made several decent runs, matched equally by JP Higgins and Leon Doyle in the Naas defence. Jack Kelly from Clane was impressive as well; his positional play enabled him to make crucial interceptions. A fierce midfield battle ensued, as Joe Mills and Scott O’Neill fought for control against a determined duo of Ryan Murran and Killian Patchell.

Joe Mills made an excellent block after Killian Patchell fired a goal-bound effort following a Liam Deane corner just fifteen minutes in. Patchell had another half-chance after some direct attacking play from Aidan Ralph, but he was unable to make solid contact to trouble goalkeeper Keith Higgins. Naas opened Clane up with a quality passing play as Paul Omoteso received the ball in midfield and delivered an inch-perfect pass to Joe Murray. Murray raced through, but his effort crashed off the side netting and missed the target. The Naas defence worked hard to thwart Clane's attacks, with JP Higgins providing a brilliant clearing tackle to subdue a fierce low cross from Eoghan Maguire. 

Midway through the first half, Naas broke the deadlock as Omoteso connected with Joe Murray, who sped down the left wing. Murray picked out Daragh Faherty, who laid the ball into the path of Joe Mills. Mills struck a knuckleball from twenty yards, beating Adam Mazur to give Naas United the lead.

Aidan Ralph's throws became a critical part of Clane's attack and looked particularly threatening with fifteen minutes remaining, as Eoghan Maguire flicked one on. Killian Patchell found himself with time and space at the back post but failed to trouble Keith Higgins from twelve yards. Leon Doyle, Jamie Dunne, JP Higgins, and Stephen Tilly were engaged in a fierce battle against Maguire, Liam Deane, and the impressive Aidan Ralph. However, it was Naas who were creating clearer chances as Paul Omoteso and Daragh Faherty worked effectively together, forcing Adam Mazur into a series of outstanding saves to maintain the one-goal deficit. Naas had the final opportunity of the half, with Joe Murray again forcing Mazur to make a save just before halftime. Clane created several good chances in the first half but lacked that crucial composure. Naas United's defensive effort was commendable, and they appeared particularly dangerous on counterattacks, leaving the cup final finely poised as the teams headed into halftime.

On the resumption it was a cagey affair, with very few clear-cut chances for either side as both teams battled in midfield and defence. Neither side were able to seize control of the game, with both defences holding firm under pressure. Clane saw Ryan Murran come close when his shot skimmed just wide of Keith Higgin’s post, while Naas had a dangerous effort from Scott O’Neill, whose strike shaved the post.  Goalkeeper Keith Higgins was commanding for Naas, claiming anything crossed into the box and producing a massive point-blank save in the 87th minute to deny Clane a late equaliser. Naas also benefited from a last-ditch clearance by Joe Mills, ensuring their clean sheet remained intact.  In the closing stages, Naas were reduced to ten men after O’Neill was sent off for an off-the-ball incident. The eventual winners closed shot and saw out any danger to lift the Karina Donnelly Senior Cup title for the third time in the Club’s history. 

At the back, JP Higgins was deservedly named man of the match, marshalling the defence superbly with the vital support of Jamie Dunne, helping Naas withstand Clane’s late onslaught to close out the match. Best for the winners were Jamie Dunne, Leon Doyle, Joe Mills and the Higgins brothers Keith and man of the match JP. Best for Clane on the day were Ryan Murran, Killian Patchell, Adam Mazur & Jack Kelly.

Additional Report

Ace Sports Awards Masters Division 1

Ballycane Celtic FC 2 Newbridge Town AFC 1

(By Wayne ‘Bubba’ Doyle)

Ballycane secured a hard-fought victory against league leaders Newbridge Town, marking a return to winning form. The match opened brightly for Ballycane, who took the initiative from the first whistle. Wayne Doyle, Jamie Gray, Stewart O'Neill, and Jamie Curran were all active early on, applying pressure and pinning Newbridge back.

Ballycane's defence did exceptionally well to neutralise Newbridge's main threat, Milton Benitez. His dribbling and incisive runs were effectively countered by Ballycane's rearguard, comprised of Mick Shelly, Gary Hunt, Ken Weir, and Cillian Sweeney, who limited his scoring opportunities to a few long-range attempts. Finbar Furey, in goal for Ballycane, made a crucial save with his feet when only ten minutes remained in the half. Jonny Finnegan and Kevin Daly valiantly led the charge for Ballycane, combining effectively with Doyle, Gray, and O'Neill. Ballycane forced Newbridge's goalkeeper, JP McDonagh, into several vital saves as Weir, Gray, and Finnegan all came close to breaking the deadlock. The first half ended without a goal, but Ballycane's work rate and energy began to show promise.

Ballycane finally broke the deadlock seven minutes into the second half. Jamie Gray collected the ball, cut in from the right flank, and skilfully passed it past defenders before unleashing a powerful strike that sailed over JP McDonagh, giving Ballycane a well-deserved lead. This setback motivated Newbridge to step up its efforts; however, it continued to search for Benitez, who was consistently marked by defenders. Ballycane’s defensive resilience forced Newbridge to resort to a series of long-range shots, all of which Finbar Furey expertly handled.

What set Ballycane apart in this match was their remarkable work rate and intensity in winning tackles across the pitch. As Newbridge pressed hard for an equaliser, they left themselves exposed to counterattacks. Ballycane capitalised on this opportunity when Johnny O'Sullivan delivered a brilliant long ball out of defence, setting the speedy Stewy O'Neill away down the left wing. O'Neill's excellent first touch allowed him to compose himself before finishing with a low drive past JP McDonagh, doubling the home side's lead with just a minute of normal time remaining.

In the closing moments of the match, Newbridge managed to pull one back deep into injury time when Paul Loughlin's cross was inadvertently turned in by Johnny O'Sullivan. Despite this late goal, Ballycane emerged with a deserved victory, demonstrating greater desire and hunger throughout the seventy minutes of play. Collectively an exemplary team effort from Ballycane Celtic. Gary Hunt was a colossus in defence , Jamie Gray gave Ballycane an edge out wide and was creative with every ball. Johnny Finnegan was a constant menace in attack.