KDFL Under 20s Premier
Monasterevin AFC 1-3 Kildare Town AFC
18/10/2025
Kildare Town Secure Three Points After an impressive Performance Against Monasterevin
Kildare Town AFC secured a comprehensive away win in the KDFL U20 Premier Division, defeating Monasterevin AFC 3-1 in a match where the home side struggled to find their characteristic free-flowing rhythm.
First Half: Kildare Takes Control
The opening minutes of the contest were fast-paced and action-packed. Monasterevin started brightly, earning a succession of corners, but the Kildare Town defence dealt resolutely with each threat.
As the half progressed, Kildare began to find space, particularly down their right flank, where Sam McGill and Ross Mulligan linked up consistently with impressive passing football.
The visitors’ pressure paid off in the 14th minute. Ross Farrell provided the assist, setting up Dylan Clarke who finished to put Kildare Town 1-0 ahead.
Monasterevin looked out of sorts, with passing accuracy suffering throughout the midfield.
Their best chance of the half came in the 32nd minute when Max Kelly’s powerful free-kick beat the keeper but clattered agonizingly off the post before rebounding to safety.
Kildare continued to press, however, and in the 45th minute, they were awarded a penalty for handball.
Clarke stepped up confidently and dispatched the spot-kick to double his tally, sending Kildare Town into the break with a comfortable 2-0 lead.
Second Half: Christie Seals the Victory
Kildare came out strong after the restart, looking to kill the game off early. Just four minutes into the second half, Ross Farrell played in Conor Kiely, whose delicate chip over the Monasterevin keeper, Mikolaj Deren, agonizingly struck the post.
Moments later, Jamie Wall’s cross was headed wide by Sam McGill.
The decisive goal arrived on the hour mark. Riain Christie, who had been instrumental in midfield, hit a speculative free-kick from 35 yards that bounced through the Monasterevin goalkeepers hands and into the net, extending the lead to 3-0.
Monasterevin refused to surrender and pushed hard for a consolation. In the 83rd minute, a corner fell to Rian Brereton just six yards out, but he could only slice his effort wide from a tight angle.
Their persistence finally paid off late in the game when Paddy Murray scored, assisted by Ben McCann, to pull a goal back for Monasterevin AFC with four minutes left to play.
Despite a late shot from Murray, which was gathered at the second attempt by Daniel Crosbie in the Kildare goal, Kildare Town saw out the final minutes to secure a well-deserved 3-1 victory.
Standout Performers
The Man of the Match award went to Kildare’s midfielder Riain Christie, whose fantastic long-range goal topped off an excellent defensive and creative display.
He was ably supported by Ross Farrell and the two-goal scorer, Dylan Clarke, alongside Sam McGill.
For Monasterevin, despite the result, strong individual effort came from Baylie Hayden, Matthew Sullivan, and Max Kelly, who worked tirelessly throughout the game.
Paddy Murray also made a notable impact after coming on as a substitute, culminating in the team’s late goal.
Thanks to @KDFL for the match report
