Fastnet take derby spoils
FRIDAY SAW a large crowd gather at Rathangan for a much-anticipated local derby game in Group B of the second annual Richie Dwyer Memorial Over-35 soccer league.
Fastnet, with some new signings on board this yea,r were slightly quicker out of the blocks as Kilmore United, who were down a couple of regulars, struggled to create any forward momentum early on.
At the same time they were comfortable at the back, as Colm Benson, playing a bit higher up the field in a defensive midfield role, cut out and broke up a lot of Fastnet moves.
The first real chance came on 15 minutes when a snapshot from a corner fell to David Jeffers whose shot went over from the edge of the box.
Fastnet were starting to get on top and soon after a defence-splitting pass from Gavin Cunningham sought out Johnny McManus whose heavy touch allowed Kilmore’s Jimmy Benson to easily save at his feet.
The warning signs were staring to appear as Fastnet searched for the opening goal. ‘Whacker’ Murphy stepped up to a free-kick just outside the box following some good build-up play beforehand, and made no mistake as he drilled the ball low and hard to the bottom corner of the net to give Fastnet a deserved lead.
Shortly after it was 2-0 as the two new signings combined brilliantly. Following some nice buildup play by Fastnet, the ball was played through by Kevin Frewen to the feet of the incoming Brian Denton, and he made no mistake as he finished well under the ‘keeper.
Fastnet really began to turn the screw now and some more good chances before the break were not converted before the half-time whistle sounded much to the relief of Kilmore.
To their credit, they started well in the second-half, knowing that they needed to get more possession in the midfield area, as the hard-working James Lowry seemed to be winning more ball and Fastnet seemed happy to sit back for the opening period of the second-half.
Fastnet won a free-kick on the right side and ‘Whacker’ Murphy’s shot sailed over, and soon after another free-kick was awarded about 25 yards directly in front of goal.
One would have expected Murphy to step up to the plate, but Richie Walsh instead was nominated and what a call that proved to be.
He curled a beauty to the top left corner, giving Jimmy Benson in the Kilmore goal no chance to make it 3-0 to the home team, and that’s how it finished.
Kilmore can have no complaints as Fastnet Rovers were full value for the victory.
Group A: Taghmon United 3, Corach Ramblers 4; New Ross Celtic 1, Duncannon 2; St. Leonards 1, Campile United 1.
Group B: All Blacks 1, Forth Celtic 8; Fastnet Rovers 3, Kilmore United 0; Shamrock Rovers 1, Rosslare Rangers 1.
Fixtures (7.30 p.m.) - Group A: Duncannon v. Corach Ramblers; Campile United v. Taghmon United; New Ross Celtic v. St. Leonards (Saturday, 5.30 p.m.); Group B: Rosslare Rangers v. Kilmore United; Forth Celtic v. Fastnet Rovers; Shamrock Rovers v. All Blacks.
Please note that next weekend’s fixtures may be subject to change as the Wexford Football League awards take place on Friday.