Hynes the hat-trick hero for Boker boys
Wexford CBS through to Leinster final
TODD HYNES was the man with the goal-den touch once again as he netted a hat-trick of goals for the Wexford C.B.S. side to progress to their first-ever FAI Schools Leinster Senior Cup final.
In truth, the scoreline flattered Wexford as this was a game of immense tension and pressure. In a fierce battle from the kick-off between two fine sides, Boyne had the better of the opening chances and could have taken the advantage after some good build-up play but saw an effort go just over the bar.
This was a fine game of football which was ebbing and flowing, and the Wexford side’s best play was coming from the excellent Jamie Dawson, Kallum Broaders and Todd Hynes up front, with a couple of half chances fashioned for the Boker boys.
In defence Gary Hall-Roche was leading by example alongside Kyle Scallan and Reece Murphy as the Boker boys were kept on their toes in a high-paced game. The deadlock was broken about 25 minutes into the first-half after a fine searching ball from Gary Hall-Roche to Kallum Broaders out wide.
Broaders beat his man before drilling a low cross across the edge of the box. Ciarán Carthy shaped to strike it but dummied and the ball fell to Todd Hynes, who took a neat touch before applying a classy finish.
Boyne responded well in the remainder of the first-half and pushed Wexford back, forcing the defence to stand tall and defend their lines. The C.B.S. boys always looking dangerous going forward, with Ciarán Carthy and Cian Foley beginning to impress themselves on the game.
The second-half saw an initial spell of Boyne pressure as Wexford C.B.S. had to defend resolutely. They did so with Reece Murphy in particular seeming to be everywhere.
Boyne created one of the best chances of the game in this period with a well-worked move resulting in a headed effort towards the top corner, forcing James Crean into an extraordinary save as at full stretch he tipped the effort over.
Within the next few minutes the game as a contest was over. Wexford received a free on the halfway line and Kallum Broaders pinged a peach of a ball to the back post which was met by the head of Reece Murphy who hit the net.
Todd Hynes made it three within two minutes as he latched on to a Reece Murphy pass, taking a great touch with his left before firing home with his right foot.
That goal seemed to take the life from Boyne and relieve the pressure from Wexford C.B.S. Todd Hynes was taken down for a penalty soon after.
His spot-kick was saved and the goalkeeper made another save from Shane Bergin’s follow up shot before a handball on the line from a defender gave Todd a second chance for a hat-trick which he duly took.
Wexford C.B.S. added a lovely fifth goal. Evan Farrell played a neat crossfield ball to Todd Hynes, who turned provider with a nice back-heeled pass to Josh Murphy who finished clinically just inside the post.
Boyne scored a consolation goal at the end of the game.
It’s magnificent achievement for Wexford C.B.S. to make it to the Leinster final against what proved a fierce opponent.
Football can be a cruel game sometimes and for Boyne it proved to be.
Credit to a strong defensive showing in what was an intense game, and to the attacking play which as always is a joy to watch, with a special mention to man of the match Todd Hynes.
Wexford C.B.S. will face Salesian College from Celbridge in the Leinster final in Arklow Town on Friday, March 1.
WEXFORD C.B.S.: James Crean, Kallum Broaders, Gary Hall-Roche, Reece Murphy, Kyle Scallan, Liam Godkin, Cian Foley, Ciarán Carthy, Jamie Dawson, Todd Hynes, Shane Bergin. Subs: Josh Murphy for Scallan, Cian Whelan for Dawson, Evan Farrell for Carthy, Aaron Roche for Godkin.