Joseph’s earn precious point to capture U-14 title

ST. JOSEPH’S scored a dramatic late equaliser to deny Wexford Celtic full points as they wrapped up the Wexford and District Schoolboys Soccer Under-14 Division 1A title. The Kilmuckridge boys needed just a point to take the title, but they were given a real fright by the lively underdogs.

They certainly haven’t done it the easy way. The new champs had won all eight of their games coming into the contest, but three of them were by the odd goal. Wexford Celtic must now win their final three games to secure the runners-up spot.

Meanwhile, in Under-12 Division 1, New Ross Town got their title tilt back on track with a solid victory over Bridge Rovers. A draw between fellow trophy contenders North End and New Ross Celtic allowed Gorey Celtic to jump to the summit in Division 1A with a win against Blackwater.

With the top two in Division 2, Oylegate and Glynn Barntown, playing out a cracking round three cup tie that the former won on penalties, Shamrock Rovers and Rosslare Rangers took their chance to close in at the top of the table by picking up three points against Fastnet and St. Cormac’s respectively.

Bunclody dropped their first points of the season when being held to a scoreless draw by leaders Corach Ramblers in Division 2A.

Curracloe were able to take advantage by going to Ferns and coming away with the spoils to edge within two points of the top.

The two main contenders in Division 3, Forth Celtic B and Shel- burne, both won but Cloughbawn also kept their hopes alive with a solid success against New Ross Town B. Meanwhile, the top four all won in Division 4 where Kilmore remain perfect with four games remaining.

While Gorey Rangers were progressing to the Under-14 Cup quarter-finals, North End took the opportunity to close the gap to two points at the top in Division 1 with a 3-0 victory against Gorey Celtic.

Rangers are also into the Under-16 Cup quarter-final. One goal was enough to see them past their hosts Moyne Rangers. In that last four clash they will head south to Wexford town to face North End.

Forth Celtic can no longer win Under-16 Division 1, after Ferns nabbed a point in their second-last game of the season. However, they can pip North End for second spot and they did their chances the world of good with a 5-1 win away to Wexford Albion.

In Division 3 the title race was blown wide open after Cloughbawn beat current leaders New Ross Celtic 3-1 on Saturday morn- ing. Just three points separate the top two now, with the chasers still having a game in hand. Rathnure, crucially, are just a point further back after edging St. Leonards 4-3 in a thriller.

Finally, in Division 4, leaders Bridge Rovers had the weekend off. It allowed Gorey Celtic to join them at the summit following a comprehensive 6-1 success at home to Corach Ramblers.

With the season moving towards a conclusion, midweek fixtures return to the schoolboys league on Thursday, March 30.