High finish for Wicklow lads
WDSL defeat Roscommon
Wicklow began to smell success as they peppered the Roscommon goal with Niall Sheahan following up with two close efforts. A goal was soon to come as Cody Reid got on the end of a cleverly played through ball from Niall Sheahan. The goalkeeper got a touch but did not prevent the ball travelling towards the goal. This only enabled the lightning fast reactions of Ross Quinn to ensure the ball crossed the line and put the WDSL a goal to the good.
The WDSL continued to press and Niall Sheahan again went close as he saw an effort clip the bottom of0 the upright. Special mention have to go to Sam Bishop who was the engine of the midfield a was the launch pad of the WDSL attacks and the steadfast defensive performance of Stephen Kearns, whose timely interceptions at right back were notable highlights of the game.
The second half saw the introduction of Ben Free at left back and Andrew Waters in the unfamiliar role of striker. Ben Free showed good anticipation in defence and great pace going forward while Andrew Waters pressed high, winning the ball on numerous occasions, causing untold trouble to the Roscommon defence.
With Wicklow defending resolutely throughout the second half, Roscommon were pushing further up the pitch and were caught on the counter-attack with Eoin Doyle hitting another defence splitting diagonal ball, putting Jack Kavanagh on the front foot creating immense pressure on the keeper, forcing him to handle outside the box.
This presented a final opportunity of the game as Eoin Doyle came forward to take the free kick, which was blocked for the wall but the quick reactions of Andrew Waters allowed him a shot on save, forcing the keeper to back peddle and save. Before Roscommon had a chance to kick the ball out, the referee blew the final whistle and Wicklow had secured a victory earning them the highest position in many a year. THE final game of the tournament for Wicklow and the lads wanted to end on a high and erase the taste from the previous game. The Donegal team who were lodging in Plassey Village quite close to the Wicklow lads and whose results failed to show the ability of this team. Like Wicklow they were a footballing side who succumbed to the tactical defensive game that dominated the tournament.
The game its self was an interesting game with both teams trying to play football the way it was meant to be played.
Free flowing expansive football, trying to expose each other’s weaknesses. Wicklow were able to welcome back some of their players who were rested earlier that day.
Donegal announced their intentions as they went close early on, attacking down the left and cutting in flashing a ball across the box. Wicklow replied with Conor Clinton attacking through the middle forcing the keeper to produce a save.
This was the pattern of the game as every time Wicklow