Rosslare win eight-goal feast
Last 16 teams in Under-11 Cup starting to take shape
THE UNDER-11s in the Wexford and District schoolboys soccer league got their second competitive run-out of the season as the last 16 of the cup started to take shape.
One of the most entertaining games of the round took place in Rosslare where the hosts Rangers edged past Curracloe in an eight-goal thriller.
Seán O’Leary scored twice for the visitors and Rory Hearne was also on target, but it was their opponents who won through 5-3.
It wasn’t the only cracker in the slate. Forth Celtic had two sides in action in the last 32. Their ‘C’ team put in a gutsy effort before eventually falling to Moyne Rangers 4-2. There was a little more luck for the ‘A’ team, as they edged past Wexford Albion 3-1 after a tough battle.
Killenagh and New Ross Town ‘B’ put on a show in Ballygarrett. The hosts took a 4-3 win but they were given a good fright in the process. Ross Town’s ‘A’ side did advance, getting the better of their visitors Ballagh United to move into the third round.
New Ross Celtic followed their town rivals into the last 16 with a big win against Corach Ramblers ‘B’. Bunclody also move forward by accounting for Glynn Barntown, while Blackwater beat Ferns.
There was a tight one in Duncannon where the home side fell narrowly to Rosslare Strand. Down the road, Corach Ramblers were mightily impressive in seeing off Sinnottstown Lane club Wexford Celtic.
St. Leonards travelled to Caim and went away with a spot in the third round, while Camolin Celtic showed too much quality for St. Cormac’s ‘B’. Oylegate were in stunning form in seeing off Bridge Rovers, while North End edged past Shelburne.
Penalties were needed in two of the Under-13 Cup round two games. New Ross Celtic avoided an upset by edging past Ballagh United on spot-kicks, while Wexford Albion were pushed all the way by Blackwater before sneaking through.
Cloughbawn were in tip-top form, smashing 13 past Wexford Celtic. Both Adamstown and Fastnet Rovers went away from home and hit four each, while Glynn Barntown more than doubled that by beating Ferns 9-2.
Rosslare Rangers were impressive against New Ross Town ‘B’ and Oylegate edged Curracloe at home.
In the only league game in Division 1A, North End had to fight for their 2-1 win in Courtown, a result that was enough to see them join Blackwater and Glynn Barntown at the top of the table.
Shamrock Rovers kept their own hopes alive in Division 2, securing a crucial 5-2 win against St. Cormac’s.
The big game in Division 2A saw Corach Ramblers beat Shelburne 3-1 to move them level at the summit with Cloughbawn with three games remaining.
It was a great day for St. Joseph’s ‘B’ in Division 4, as they picked up their first win of the season against New Ross Town ‘C’.
In Division 3A, Kilmore moved level with Rathnure in top spot, all but ending Forth Celtic ‘B’s challenge with a 4-0 win in Murrintown. Tombrack did keep their hopes alive with a 2-1 home success against Bree.
Under-13 Cup winners last season, Wexford Celtic made the trip down to Campile in the Under-14 Cup and came away with a spot in the last 16. In the first round of the Under-15 Cup, Celtic ‘B’ were not so successful, falling to Bridge Rovers.
In round two of the Under-15 Cup, St. Joseph’s smashed six past Rosslare Strand. In the last eight they will face Enniscorthy Town, winners away to Gorey Celtic.
The reward for Gorey Rangers’ extra-time victory over Kilmore (featured opposite) is a quarter-final with Shamrock Rovers, winners against New Ross Celtic.
St. Cormac’s won an eightgoal thriller against Adamstown and they will face the winners of New Ross Town and Bridge Rovers in the last eight.
In the last quarter-final, Wexford Celtic, victors against Newpark, will meet St. Leonards.
While there was a disappointing loss for Kilmore in the cup, things went their way elsewhere as Bunclody, their nearest rivals in Division 2A, fell 1-0 to Ferns. That result means that Kilmore need just one point from their final three games to take the title.
While Gorey Rangers ‘B’ aren’t that close yet, their 4-2 win at home to Tombrack means they are nine points clear with five games remaining.
Glynn Barntown kept pace and they joined Gorey Celtic ‘B’ in second spot, while Fastnet won their first game of the season against Taghmon.
It was a great week for North End in S.F.A.I. Skechers Cup action.
Their Under-15 side edged a dramatic shoot-out 15-14 in Tullamore, and they will host Peake Villa from Thurles in the last 16.
Meanwhile, their Under-16s will face Quigley’s Point Swifts after turning over Ratoath in the last 32.
Please contact Dean Goodison (087-9060630 or deangoodison@hotmail.com) with match details.