Wexford make a winning start
KILKENNY FOOTBALL LEAGUE WEXFORD FOOTBALL LEAGUE
WEXFORD GOT their Youth Inter-League campaign off to a winning start as they overcame a battling Kilkenny and District League at a bitterly cold Evergreen F.C. astro pitch on Saturday.
While it took both sides time to settle, once they did the large attendance were treated to a fine game of attacking football.
On twelve minutes Wexford had their first chance when Kallan Murphy’s shot from 18 yards had the home goalkeeper, Vinny O’Grady, scrambling to gather. Three minutes later, Kilkenny’s Louis Brennan got free on the right and his cross-shot flew just over the bar.
Wexford went in front on18 minutes following a forceful run on the right by Finn Bennett.
His pull-back from the byline was lashed home by Jude Bates.
Their lead lasted only two minutes, however, as a through ball caught the visitors’ back four square, and Louis Brennan raced through to blast home from inside the area.
Kilkenny also had the next chance when Jamie O’Keeffe saw his header clear the crossbar following a corner-kick.
Wexford had the next few opportunities as Kallan Murphy had his effort blocked and the same player headed a free-kick wide, while Cathal Dowd was off target with a header from close range.
Wexford got back in front two minutes before the break when they were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the area, and Cian Byrne’s left-footed drive found the bottom corner via the near post.
They went close again after 47 minutes when Jude Bates saw his snap-shot come back off the post. Wexford continued to attack at pace, creating a host of chances and restricting Kilkenny to the odd breakaway.
Wexford went further in front on the hour mark with a goal of the highest order as Finn Bennett managed to control a loose ball and volley it over the home ’keeper from 40 yards.
Kilkenny’s best chance of getting back into the game arrived with 15 minutes left when Louis Brennan got on the end of a free-kick, but he volleyed wide when well placed.
Wexford controlled the remainder of the game after this let-off.
Wexford manager Pádraig Whitty will be delighted with his squad’s performance and will be looking for more of the same in their home fixture versus Waterford in the new year.
Taghmon United moved to the top of the Division 2 table with a 2-0 win over Rosslare Port on Sunday. Brian Doyle and Darren Carty got the goals for the new table-toppers.
St. Leonards were top of the pile going into the weekend but they lost out 4-2 in Crossabeg.
Peter Cullen, Will McCreevy (two) and Davie Fenlon scored for the winners, with Seán ‘Mini’ Ryan netting both goals for the saints.
Raheen moved up to second spot after seeing off Gorey Celtic 3-0 with a double from Peter Finn and a Paudie Barden strike.
Curracloe United have plenty of games in hand on the teams above them, and on Sunday they proved much too strong for Shamrock Rovers, with Conor Hearne, Ryan Donnelly, Conor Sutton and Graham Staples all hitting the back of the net in a 4-0 victory.
Willie Dobbs gave Enniscorthy United an early lead against Gorey Rangers, but Ross Moore scored late on to earn the north county men a share of the spoils.
equalised before half-time and that’s how it stayed.
A Dylan O’Brien goal was enough for Fastnet Rovers to edge out Oylegate United, while Rosbercon United earned a 2-1 win over Crossabeg.
Tommy Quinn and Barry Ryan scored for the winners, with Joe Wilson hitting the back of the net for Crossabeg.
Carne FC shocked table-toppers Rosslare Rangers on Sunday as they saw off the leaders 2-1.
Chris Murphy and Joe O’Keeffe got their goals as they earned the local bragging rights.
Camolin Celtic moved to within a point of the pace-setters with a 6-2 win over Corach Ramblers.
Peter McSwiney, Dan Leech, Darragh Curran, Glen Carton and Ashley Tully (two) got their goals, with Jordan Hayes and Lorcan Breen replying.
Third-placed Kiltealy Celtic edged out Ferns United 5-4 in a real thriller, with Davy Cogley, Keith Cogley, Mick Stephens, Colin Beasley and Pat Somers scoring for the winners, and Jonny Dwyer, Ryan Nolan, Cody Fortune and Gary Breslin replying.
Daire Rochford was the match winner for Cloughbawn, scoring the only goal of the game, while Bridge Rovers overcame St. Joseph’s 4-2.
Mark Browne bagged a hattrick for the Castlebridge side, with Tom Keavney also netting and Pa O’Brien and Thomas Donovan scoring for Joey’s.