O’Dea’s strike the difference as U-17s suffer defeat
WEXFORD F.C. GALWAY UNITED 0 1
THE tough stretch to the end of the SSE Airtricity Under-17 Southern Elite League season continued for Wexford FC on Saturday afternoon last as Galway travelled to Ferrycarrig Park and went away with the spoils.
Since starting this run of games in consecutive weeks with victory against high-flying Shamrock Rovers, Wexford have failed to reach those dizzy heights again and have failed to score in their last three outings.
However, they gave as good as they got in this game, they just couldn’t take any of the couple of great chances they created.
There was very little in the game in the first half, the visitors looked to spread the ball long, diagonally and stretched Wexford a couple of times early on.
As the half wore on the hosts settled and Adham Masood began tormenting the Galway full-back with tricky, jinking runs.
Yet it was Brandon Deady who had the best chance late in the half when he went clean through on goal.
The visiting goalkeeper made a fine save but could only send it into Liam Berry’s path.
Unfortunately for the home side, the former North End man couldn’t hit the target with his strike.
With Jack Gallagher imperious at the back, and Cian Foley and Paddy Barron doing strong work in midfield, Wexford continued to play well into the second half.
However, with less than twenty minutes left Caoilfhionn O’Dea nipped in to net from close range for United.
As time expired Wexford had one last chance to snatch a draw. Adham Masood latched on to a long ball forward and cracked a volley from the edge of the box that whizzed narrowly wide of the post.
Having beaten Shamrock Rovers to start this run, maybe the trip to Waterford on Saturday afternoon will be just what Derek O’Brien’s side need to send them into the shield play-offs with a bit of confidence.
After travelling to the RSC at the weekend, Wexford end their league season the following week with a home tie against struggling UCD, a team they beat 1-0 at the Bowl back in early July.