Aidan’s hit back for fine win
Wexford C.B.S. reeled in after making a fantastic start
ST. AIDAN’S (E’CTHY) WEXFORD C.B.S. 3-7 2-2
HAVING MADE a slow start with the concession of two goals inside the opening four minutes, St. Aidan’s eventually went on to record a hugely impressive eightpoint victory over Wexford C.B.S. in their Allianz Rackard League boys’ football urban final in St. Patrick’s Park, Enniscorthy.
After a rather lack-lustre opening 25 minutes, it was a final which really came to life in the second-half as both sides battled for crucial scores.
While St. Aidan’s proved the superior outfit, their victory margin was somewhat flattering given the number of chances which the Wexford town boys created.
But for some erratic finishing, coupled with excellent defending from the likes of Harvey Montague in goal, along with Robbie Breen, Barry Kennedy and Adam Butler-Southall, they would have been much closer at the final whistle. Ryan Donohoe was also outstanding at midfield for the victors.
Having revealed their attacking potential in earlier games, St. Aidan’s went on to play their best football in the second-half, following an erratic spell midway through the opening period.
Solid in defence, and outstanding in midfield, the attack played with composure and skill through the second period, with Oisín Larkin and Jack Canavan particularly prominent.
Wexford C.B.S. showed their battling qualities right through the game but they were considerably unlucky with a number of their scoring attempts.
However, Seán O’Connor and Jamie Barnes were outstanding in defence, while Aaron Bergin and Kian Roche had their bright spells in midfield, with Brendan Stafford and Jamie Breen hugely impressive in attack.
After Wexford C.B.S. had made a lightning start that produced an Aaron Bergin goal inside the first minute, St. Aidan’s opened their account through a point from wing-forward Jack Leacy.
Ryan Donohoe tagged on his side’s second point, but Brendan Stafford finished with a fine shot to the net following a good run, giving his side a 2-0 to 0-2 lead.
The game became somewhat ragged following this bright opening, but St. Aidan’s finished the half strongly, adding points through a Ryan Donohoe 30-metre free and Rhys Hogan-O’Gorman.
Right on the break St. Aidan’s received a huge boost when a Ryan Donohoe ’45 found its way to the corner of the net, giving his side a 1-4 to 2-0 interval lead.
Wexford C.B.S. opened the second-half brightly with points from a Brendan Stafford ‘45 and Luke Harris-Cotris to move into a 2-2 to 1-4 lead after 30 minutes.
Thirteen minutes into the second-half, St. Aidan’s got back level through a Jack Canavan point, while one minute later it was the turn of Oisín Larkin to sparkle with a superb shot to the corner of the net, leaving his side leading by 2-5 to 2-2.
The pressure from St. Aidan’s continued, producing two Ryan Donohoe pointed frees, while close to the end the hugely impressive Larkin finished clinically from close range to secure his side’s victory.
St. Aidan’s: Harvey Montague; Dylan Farrell, Robbie Breen, Barry Kennedy; Danny Kerwick, Adam Butler-Southall, Ben Walsh; Ryan Donohoe (1-4, 0-3 frees, 1-0 ’45), Finn Soraine; Jack Leacy (0-1), Callum McVeigh, Oisín Larkin (2-0); Conall Doyle, Rhys Hogan-O’Gorman (0-1), Jack Canavan (0-1). Subs. - Dillon Savage, Mikey Walsh, Jay Clifford, Corey O’Toole, Thomas Kehoe-Cummins, Ben Murphy, Peter Canning, Patryk Tauroginski.
Wexford C.B.S.: Cormac O’Leary; Ben Mallon, Seán O’Connor, Mark Roche; Darragh Donnelly, Jamie Barnes, Michael McMahon; Kian Roche, Aaron Bergin (1-0); Jamie Breen, Brendan Stafford (1-1, 0-1 ’45), Luke Harris-Cotris (0-1); Griff James, Lucas Kehoe, Jack Clare. Subs. - Tiernan Furlong for James, Callum McGuire for Clare, also Louis Hession, Borna Strgar, Cillian Jos, Seán Hynes, Jimmy Goodison, Darragh Mallon.
Referee: Dickie Murphy (Starlights).