Forth claim Under-12 crown
Away win over North End means Celtic can’t be caught
FORTH CELTIC are the Wexford and District Schoolboys Soccer Under-12 Division 1 champions after they secured the victory they needed away to North End to move into an uncatchable position at the top of the table with eight wins and a draw from their nine matches.
It was an incredible season of improvement from the Murrintown boys. They finished just three points ahead of relegated Wexford Albion last season but have been peerless this campaign, edging the crown ahead of last season’s Under-11 champions, Cloughbawn.
Corach Ramblers were celebrating last week too, despite not being on the field when they won the Division 2A title. The new champs had completed their list of fixtures and held a three-point lead over a talented New Ross Town ‘B’ side in the table.
Town needed to beat third-placed Oylegate to force a play-off for the title but they weren’t able to find a goal and the fixture ended scoreless. It means, with nine wins and three draws from their twelve games, Ramblers have taken the title by just two points.
Gorey Rangers ‘B’ face similar pressure in the Division 4A table. They have two fixtures left to play and trail leaders Bridge Rovers ‘B’ by six points. If Gorey manage to win both there will be a play-off for the title, and if they fall at either hurdle the Bogside boys will lift the cup.
Not much has changed in Under-13 Division 1 where Gorey Rangers and Moyne Rangers continue to go stride for stride. The latter are three points clear but their rivals for the trophy have a game in hand with three to play.
However, the slim hopes of Forth Celtic are all but over after they lost to Moyne during the last week. They are celebrating after claiming the regional title on Bank Holiday Monday, one of several deciders in that competition this paper wasn’t given notification about.
Wexford Albion damaged their own hopes of nabbing the Division 1A title after falling to Bridge Rovers last week. Their destiny is still in their own hands with four games remaining but Blackwater will have renewed belief that they might yet take the spoils.
The Under-14 Division 1 league continues to create incredible drama. After Gorey Celtic failed to take their chance to win the crown, Fethard Rangers had their opportunity last week when they met Wexford Albion. A win would have wrapped up the title, and a draw would have created a play-off situation.
However, Albion won the match to continue their tear from back in the pack. They have games against Wexford Celtic and Shamrock Rovers remaining and should they win both they will pip Gorey Celtic for the title. Fethard, after leading most of the way, can now finish no better than second.
Forth Celtic’s 5-0 win against Moyne Rangers in Division 1A means they can no longer be caught at the summit and are champions.
The boys in green have won nine of their ten games so far and will be a tough team to beat in the top division next season.
As well as preparing for a cup final, their ‘B’ team is still right in the mix for the Division 2A title. More will be known after tonight (Tuesday) when they face New Ross Town ‘B’ looking for the victory that will force a title play-off against Gorey Celtic ‘B’.
North End will add a Under-15 Division 1 title to their regional crown if they can win two of their three games in the next week.
They travel to Kilmuckridge this evening, make the short trip to Murrintown on Friday, and will hope to have the silverware in the bag before heading to Duncannon next Monday.
Cup finalists Shamrock Rovers have been motoring through the gears in Division 2 and they are now just a win in their final game away from taking the title.
They might not even have to wait that long, as if Rosslare Strand drop points in the meantime the Enniscorthy side will be champions.
Meanwhile, in Under-16 Division 5, Enniscorthy United secured a memorable crown last week when they beat New Ross Town. They went into the game knowing only full points would be enough to wrap up the cup, and they did what they needed to leapfrog Tombrack in the table.
Coming up this weekend are the first two of six Wexford and District Schoolboys Soccer Cup finals. Both take place in Bogside, Castlebridge, on Saturday afternoon, with the Under-13 decider between Forth Celtic and Moyne Rangers kicking off at 3.30 p.m.
Then, after the winners of that cup are crowned, the Under-15s take to the field. Shamrock Rovers are the surprise package but they will take all the beating against a St. Joseph’s team which is playing catch-up to North End in the league title race. That game kicks-off at 5.30 p.m.