A stunning first-half display
Talented Wexford Under-12 team rampant in Wicklow
WICKLOW YELLOW 1 WEXFORD SCHOOLBOYS LEAGUE 9
A STUNNING performance by Wexford in the firsthalf of this Under-12 Subway Championship Leinster Group 1 game in Celtic Park in Arklow on Saturday saw the Model boys blitz their Wicklow opponents and maintain their unbeaten run in the competition.
Victory over Carlow last time out and a draw against Midlands1 in Curracloe in December saw Tommy Byrne’s side arrive in a drizzly and cold venue with plenty of confidence, and they transferred that superbly to the field of play when the outstanding Killian Brennan grabbed the first of his four goals in the opening minute.
In truth, there was only one team on the field in that opening half, and Wexford went on to score eight more goals as they drove relentlessly at the overworked Wicklow defence and coped easily with whatever half chances the home side could create.
Brennan’s opener was followed a few moments later by a fine strike from Kaylem Harnett, and the very impressive Darren Rossiter grabbed the first of his hat-trick in the ninth minute.
It was abundantly clear to the small band of home supporters crowded into the dug-outs that this was going to be a long afternoon for the Wicklow lads.
A lovely through ball found Rossiter who fired home for his second after 15 minutes, before Killian Brennan took over with three goals in quick succession.
Rory Goff made it 8-0 as the rain fell on Celtic Park, and finally Darren Rossiter finished the scoring for the opening half to complete his hat-trick.
Wexford’s play was assured, confident and very impressive. They sprayed the ball around, their movement was electric, and their through and over the top balls were excellent throughout that opening half.
Both sides made a number of changes at and shortly after the break, and Wicklow emerged as a transformed outfit. Gone was the lack-lustre approach and in its place was a passion and a commitment that had been sadly lacking.
However, their mountain was too steep to climb, and although they pulled one back from a deflected Kyle Kenny free, they were never going to trouble the Wexford side.
Wexford: Darragh Bowe, Ben Long, Cian O’Dowd, Conor Burke, Jack Conneely, James Kirby, Darren Rossiter, Charlie Conway, Tom Funge, Killian Brennan, Kaylem Harnett, Caleb Whitty, Ben Harpur, Rory Goff, Jan Wozniak, Adam Connick.
Wicklow: Cathal Fitzsimmons, Colm Grannell, Dean Fielding, Lee Dagge, Conor Williams, Kyle Kenny, Seán McDonald, Ryan Healy, Sonny McHale, Luke Lynch, Cian Nolan, Isaac Young, Frankie Crossingham, Eoin Meagher.
Referee: Keith Neville.