CURRACLOE CLINCH TITLE
United win Youth Division 2
SEAN KEANE-CARROLL struck for a hat-trick as Curracloe United clinched all three points that enabled them to lift the Wexford Football League Division 2 Youths title at the expense of Wexford Albion in an exciting league clash at Coolcotts on Saturday morning.
Albion, second going into this game, needed all three points to entertain any hope of catching the leaders, but they came up against the unexpected in a sparkling Keane-Carroll, whose clinical finishing enabled his side to see off a staunch challenge to clinch the title in a dramatic game.
Keane-Carroll showed from an early stage the threat he carried, as after figuring in a couple of early attacks, he struck in the seventh minute when he cut inside the defence before firing low past ’keeper James Crean, giving his side an early 1-0 lead.
But credit to both sides as they were playing some quality football despite the heavy conditions, with the composed play of the home team seeing them back level after 17 minutes. Midfielder Ben McMahon won possession on the edge of the area and sent a delightful dipping shot to the corner of the net beyond the reach of ’keeper Jack Waters, making it 1-1.
But Curracloe, knowing a victory would clinch the title, were throwing everything at the Albion defence, which led to them regaining the lead after 25 minutes through a fine Adam Howlin finish to make it 2-1.
In the lead up to the break Keane-Carroll went on to complete his hat-trick with a fine run and finish, while just on the break he left his side leading 4-1 with a low right footed shot to the net.
To give Albion credit, they launched a tremendous second-half recovery, but they had to wait until the 73rd minute to reduce the deficit through Nicky Byrne.
Five minutes from the end Shane Bergin cut through the defence to score from just inside the area, narrowing the deficit to 4-3, but Curracloe held out for the three points in what was a tense finish. WEXFORD ALBION: James Crean, Lee Moran, Kieran Maguire, Ben Creane, Noel Whelan, John Waters, Shane Bergin, Ben McMahon, Andrew Doyle, Aaron Kinsella, Scott Keeling. Subs. - Seán Crosbie, Des Lawlor, Max Barnes, Mikey Byrne, Ben Butler. CURRACLOE UNITED: Jack Waters, Adam Hearne, Aaron Doyle, Thomas Coughlan, Seán Keane-Carroll, Adam Howlin, Chris Cowman, Thomas Murphy, Kyle Roche, James Furlong, Ben Redmond. Subs. - Robert McGuinness, James Kelly, Michael Doyle. REFEREE: Damien Donovan.