KDF Senior League team focus

Clonmullion AFC 4 Naas United FC 1

A depleted Naas United were the visitors to Micheál O Neill Park in Clonmullion on a windy but fine Sunday afternoon. Naas started by far the brighter and took the lead after only 5 minutes when Dean Fennessy headed home a Rob Heavey free kick from close range. Naas could have made it 2-0 moments later when Mohamad chased the defender down forcing a mistake, he set Fennessy through and Mick Lawless pulled off a great save low to his left. The home side pressed for an equaliser and were almost rewarded after a mazy Cody Mulhall run and shot brought a great save out of Bulent in the visitors goals. Nathan Robinson then tested the keeper with a dipping free kick five minutes before the half time whistle. With only a minute remaining in the first half Clonmullion gained parity from the penalty spot when Mulhall converted after a foul on the overlapping full back Evan Phillips. The same player got on the score sheet himself 2 minutes into the second half after the excellent Jack Dooley won the ball in midfield and set Stephen Donovan down the right wing who's low cross was superbly finished by Phillips. Almost from the kick off Jordan Harmon seen his left footed effort crash off the outside of the post but a minute later the home side made it 3 1 when the ever improving young centre half Jay Connell won the ball and found Dooley who's slide rule pass found Robinson to score. The Mull were dominant now and on the hour mark got a fourth when Johnny Fennel picked out Robinson who curled a beautiful left footed effort past Bulent. Naas never gave up and Babba Isaka brought a great save out of Michael Lawless with a powerful header from a Paul Otomoso corner kick. Substitute Patrick Moore was unlucky not to score when his shot rebounded off the post after great approach play by Lee Doyle and Lee Day. Best for the winner's were Jay Connell and Evan Phillips at the back Jack Dooley and Nathan Robinson in midfield while Mulhall was a constant threat up front. Best for Naas were Dean Fennessy who was one of the stand out players on the pitch, Rob Heavey at center back showed great attacking threat on set pieces, Clifford and Ometeso in midfield were excellent and Bulent in goal deserves recognition for some brilliant handling and saves despite not being a natural goal keeper. But overall each player today gave their all for each other and were fantastic from start to finish. The result ensures Clonmullion finish top of their Senior Division Group and into the semi final playoffs next weekend.