U-15 side best in derby clash
Sterling show from visitors
CARLOW/KILKENNY WEXFORD F.C. 0 3
IT WAS eleven points from a possible 15 for Wexford in the SSE Airtricity Under-15 League Group 3 after another sterling performance from Mark Doran’s side in Derdimus Park, Kilkenny, on Tuesday.
After starting the season with one point from four games, Wexford have kicked on and have an identical record to table-toppers Cork City in the last five outings, securing eleven points on their way to fourth position in the table.
This result was the product of a fantastic all-round team display. Right from goalkeeper Aaron Phelan, up to double-goalscorer Evan Farrell, who now has five goals in two games, down to the subs’ bench, everyone played a role.
Carlow/Kilkenny were probably expecting Wexford to set up with three at the back, having done so for most of the season. However, boss Doran had a kink up his sleeve and went out with a flat back four.
Not only did it throw the hosts a little, but the defence was absolutely superb. The centre was solid as a rock and the full-backs, Darragh McGuire and Seán Redmond, attacked at will, always giving their opposition something to worry about going the other way.
However, while the team was fantastic, it was probably Evan Connolly who produced the best performance on the pitch. The Carlow native had the bit between his teeth because of the opponents and he was outstanding.
One small reason for another strong showing was the introduction of three of the squad’s four new signings.
James Cullen and Seán Fitzpatrick impressed while powerful Tyler Dunphy was a livewire as soon as he was introduced. Throw in the imminent arrival of Kyle Clancy and Wexford seem to have the squad to push on in the final weeks of the season.
Carlow/Kilkenny looked to set the tone with a physical gameplan in the opening stages, but Wexford were fine with that type of battle.
The opening few minutes were scrappy as the teams got acquainted, but the visitors took the lead in the 18th minute when Dylan Casey fired home from a half-volley after a left wing corner landed at his feet.
The pace of Dylan McEvoy, arguably Wexford’s most improved player so far this season, is terrifying for opponents. He was proving that long before he got away on the right wing and crossed for Farrell to head home the second in the 25th minute.
Brimming with confidence, the visitors came out after the interval 2-0 in front and purred through the second-half.
Casey, Patryk Remiasz, Seán Fitzpatrick and Farrell all had chances to add to the advantage before Wexford found the net again in the 68th minute.
Fitzpatrick was provider down the right, and fed the ball across the box to Farrell. The Wexford hotshot still had plenty to do but he beat his man and fired low past the ‘keeper to put the game to bed.
Casey narrowly missed the target when looking to make it four at the back post from a right wing corner, while Harry Curtis later fired over after great work again by the physically dominant Tyler Dunphy.
Wexford are now looking up the table at both Limerick and Galway just ahead of them and are aiming to finish the group stage by leapfrogging at least one of those two quality sides.
Wexford: Aaron Phelan; Darragh McGuire, Sean Adam Gourley, Dylan Casey, Seán Redmond; Dylan McEvoy, Evan Connolly, Patryk Remiasz, Rian Fitzpatrick, Conor Carew; Evan Farrell. Subs. - Harry Curtis, Seán Fitzpatrick, Tyler Dunphy, Paddy Redmond, James Cullen.