McClean inflicts some pain
GUESS WHO was around these parts on the afternoon of Sunday, April 18, 2010?
In Ferrycarrig Park to be precise, where current Republic of Ireland international James McClean was among the goalscorers as Derry City cruised to a handy 5-1 victory over Wexford Youths in their Airtricity League of Ireland First Division clash.
It was the second-largest defeat in the short three-year history of the hosts, but I wonder how many in the crowd that day picked McClean out as a player with the potential to don the green jersey at senior level and enjoy a successful professional career in England?
This was the seventh series of games in the league, and the respective placings of the teams was adequately reflected by the outcome.
Whereas Derry City were second on 16 points, just two behind Waterford United, Wexford Youths were on seven which left them third from bottom.
An Anthony Wolfe own goal, and a sweet Patrick McEleney freekick after Chris Kenny was shown a red card, left the northerners 2-0 clear the break.
McEleney made it three from the penalty spot before the impressive McClean sidefooted home and, although Wolfe replied quickly at the correct end, defender Mark Skoltock closed the scoring for Derry near the end.
Wexford Youths: Packie Holden, Anthony Russell, Chris Kenny, David Breen, Anthony Wolfe, Shane Dempsey, Jimmy Keohane, Paul ‘Patsy’ Malone, Danny Furlong, Gary Sheahan, Dean Broaders. Subs. - Aidan McCann for Russell, inj. (63), Kevin Rowe for McCann, inj. (69), Shane Sinnott for Dempsey (73).