KDFL Senior Division League Play off
(Report from Wayne ‘Bubba’ Doyle)
Clane United FC 1 Naas United FC 3
Following an intense and captivating football match last week in the Senior Cup final, Clane United decisively defeated Naas—an event that epitomized the essence of the game in the KDFL. This past Saturday evening, these two Kildare football powerhouses clashed once again in Kilcullen, this time vying for the Senior Division title in a decisive winner-takes-all showdown.
Reflecting on last week's encounter, it was clear that both teams executed their defensive strategies brilliantly, though Naas was particularly busy in their defensive efforts. JP Higgins, Martella, and Danny Phillips delivered exceptional performances. Clane initially adopted a cautious approach but quickly found their offensive rhythm thanks to the relentless work of Dean Comiskey and James Ralph, who continually threatened the Naas defence.
The midfield will prove to be a critical battleground again Hyland and Geoghegan made substantial contributions for Clane in the centre, while Victor Oladado shone for Naas, scoring a remarkable goal. He and Niall Faherty effectively exploited opportunities and posed a persistent threat. Clane ultimately exhibited slightly more sharpness and creativity last Sunday, while Naas's brief lack of activity hampered slightly hampered them. The question looms: Can Naas adapt and seize the title for the first time in a decade, or will Clane achieve the elusive double by claiming their first Senior title?
The game opened at a frenetic pace, with Clane nearly getting on the board within the first four minutes. After Liam Deane was fouled in midfield, the referee played a superb advantage, allowing Dean Comiskey to seize the moment. He split the Naas defence with a pinpoint pass to James Ralph, who made a well-timed run. Ralph had a clear sight of the goal, but Keith Higgins made a fantastic save, serving as an early warning sign for Naas. Sammy Omoteso and Daragh Faherty set the tempo for Naas with some robust direct runs early.
Naas broke the deadlock after just eight minutes when Keith Higgins launched an impressive goal kick. Paul Omoteso rose above the rest with a perfect flick just outside the Clane eighteen-yard box. Niall Faherty displayed sharp instincts, slipping away from his defender and executing a stunning volley that left goalkeeper John Ball with no chance. It was a goal deserving of the occasion.
Clane demonstrated patience in their buildup, carefully working the ball up the pitch with impressive coherence. Mark Kelly, Hyland, and Geoghegan were pivotal in the opening twenty minutes. Naas took on a slightly different formation, with Sammy Omoteso on the right flank, whose pace and ability to carry the ball drew significant attention. Paul Omoteso took the lead role up front, with Niall Faherty operating effectively in the number ten position. This tactical shift proved advantageous as the game unfolded. JP Higgins dominating any aerial challenges early on gave Naas that be of bite early on.
The game was more open than the previous encounter, with both teams pushing the pace, resulting in numerous turnovers. Clane had a significant opportunity on the half-hour mark when James Ralph made a brilliant run down the right flank, setting up Cathal Geoghegan, who unleashed a powerful shot that ricocheted off the post. Dean Comiskey quickly pounced on the rebound, forcing another great save from Keith Higgins.
Naas countered immediately, as Paul Omoteso controlled the ball brilliantly under pressure from Jack Kelly. He laid it off to Daragh Faherty, who surged down the byline to deliver a dangerous cross that Paul Omoteso narrowly missed, striking a yard wide. Dean Comiskey continued to trouble Naas, turning JP Higgins after the big defender just over-committed, but Keith Higgins stood firm to gather the effort.
Naas played a risky game at times, conceding opportunities due to lapses in discipline, allowing Mark Kelly a sight on Higgins's goal from set pieces. However, Naas finished the half stronger, with the Omoteso brothers combining effectively. Sammy Omoteso got a shot away after a solid build-up that John Ball managed to save comfortably. Just before halftime, Naas delivered a hammer blow when Sheldon Mbala picked the ball deep in his half, driving up the line with power, pace and precision. He delivered an exceptional pass to Paul Omoteso, who used his body wisely to outmanoeuvre the defender and finished low and hard beyond John Ball, leaving a 2-0 lead at the break. It was a tighter game than the scoreline suggests, but there is much more intensity from Naas United this time around, not allowing Clane to build momentum.
Again, neither team conceded territory at the start of the second, but Clane looking to pin Naas back. With James Ralph getting off two quick efforts in succession that didn't trouble the Naas keeper. Clane made some changes as Aiden Ralph was introduced for Stephen Leavy, and Liam Deane made way for Rasdi Nsimba. That combination of Daragh Faherty and Paul Omoteso was extremely effective as they combined well again, Paul Omoteso getting the shot away before Ball again made the necessary save. Naas were forced into some changes themselves after Danny Philips and Daragh Faherty both off with hamstring injuries, with Cian McDonnell and Jamie "Butch" Nolan introduced. Marvin Mbala switched to Centre-half and Nolan took up residency in centre-mid. Naas got caught in possession right on the halfway-way line as Marvin Mbala just dwelled on the ball a fraction too long before Rasdi Nsimba nipped in to steal it, setting Dean Comiskey in on goal. Sheldon Mbala did well to make the angle acute for Comiskey before brother Marvin Mbala got back with the covering tackle.
Clane committing bodies forward now; again, Naas were a touch over-eager, giving up some silly freekicks in dangerous areas. Clane thought they got one back with twenty minutes to play as Andrew Hyland delivered an excellent ball through a melee of bodies Cathal Geoghegan with a brilliant leap got a powerful header that was goal-bound Keith Higgins, got a strong hand on the effort but it wasn't enough, the ball was heading for the back of the net, before a last-ditch goal-line clearance by Jamie Nolan an inspired piece of defending that gave Naas a lift. Naas had to work hard defensively as Clane really applied the pressure but they just couldn't find that clear-cut chance against a resilient Naas back five. Gavin O'Dwyer made way after another good performance and Nathan Carr was introduced, with a slight shuffle, Mark Kelly dropping back to Centre-half beside Jack Kelly with just fifteen to play. Clane had no choice but to further press forward now with the clocking running down, which again left them susceptible to counterattack, and that is exactly what ensued, a Jamie Nolan clearance come pass just deceived Mark Kelly and Sammy Omoteso, was on it in a flash as he bore down on goal he was bundled over, no hesitation with the referee immediately pointing to the spot, JP Higgins stepped up, hit a decent spot kick that was expertly saved by John Ball, the ball ricocheted back to JP who couldn't convert on the second attempt with his header flying just past the post. Clane wasted no time hitting Naas before they had a chance to reset; it was an orchestrated move by Clane, with John Ball playing it into Rasdi Nsimba, who played a first-time pass onto Cathal Geoghegan. His flick set Aiden Ralph down the wing. Marvin Mbala scuppered the attack momentarily. The resulting throw allowed Aiden Ralph to launch a huge one from the right-hand corner that flew across the box, and Nathan Carr popped up at the back post with a vital header to cut the deficit to one with ten remaining on the clock. Jack Kelly, with a captain performance at the back for Clane, led by example, making a host of great interceptions. The game was end-to-end stuff but it was Naas who got that crucial third goal. A Naill Faherty Corner found Paul Omoteso the powerful frontman bought himself a yard of space inside the penalty area before a quick swivel and volley that John Ball didn't see till very late but had no chance of stopping. Clane to their credit never relinquished the effort and persevered relentlessly in attack at the Naas goal, in the remaining five minutes but Naas had a mass of players willing to put their bodies on the line, with Martella, Nolan and Mbala all making big stops in the closing minutes to see Naas over the line to clinch the Senior Division title with a stellar performance.
Noteworthy performances for Clane were Jack Kelly, Hyland, Comiskey and James Ralph. Sheldon Mbala, JP Higgins, the Faherty brothers and the Omoteso brothers shone for Naas, along with the skipper Keith Higgins. Another thrilling game of football that showcased the very best of the KDFL.
Clane had a magnificent season, challenging on all fronts. Daragh Deane and his backroom team are constantly evolving each season and coming back better. With a host of brilliant young players already in the squad, the Clane production line is not likely to stop anytime soon.
Naas were worthy winners on the night a fantastic team assembled by Brian Nolan and his backroom team. Played some breathtaking football throughout the season and finished the campaign off in style. Six sets of brothers involved with the Naas setup the management team of the Nolans, The Higgins, The Philips, The French's, The Ebala's, and last but certainly not least the impressive Omoteso brothers.
Comments