‘A very satisfying display’

WICKLOW needed something special to deliver a victory over Limerick when turning over into the elements with just a three-point interval lead.

Johnny Evans’ side had got off to a bright start but found real difficulty in breaking down a resolute Limerick defence, but they turned the game on its head with an inspired second half performance.

Victory for Wicklow was crucial to keep their league campaign very much alive but while Evans claims there is still a lot of football to be played he was highly satisfied with the side’s display.

Having shot out of the traps in the opening half, then failing to turn their second quarter possession into scores, they showed the type of composure and consistency through the second thirty-five which Evans has been looking for.

Evans said: ‘We showed great resilience in difficult circumstances in the second half. Having played into the wind we led by just three points at the break, but the lads played tremendous stuff in the second half.

‘We scored 2-2 into the wind. The two goals against the wind were crucial. The lads showed great resilience through that second period, played some quality football, which helped engineer the result.

‘This is a young side which is maturing, so the more games they have the better, for it will help bring confidence, which in turn will bring consistency to their play. We are trying to develop that type of consistency and once we achieve that we can look forward with a degree of confidence.

‘For me this was a very satisfying display. We were disappointed at not having held on against Leitrim but the lads learned from that game which helped contribute to this victory.’

With four points out of a possible six, Evans is now looking forward to their next game away to Derry.

‘Derry are down in Division 4, although they themselves they are not a Division 4 team.

They are the favourites for promotion so it will be a difficult game.

‘It will be a huge challenge for us, of that there is no doubt, but we will give it our best shot. What I will be looking for is a huge team effort, with the side bringing consistency to their game. If I get a big game out of the side I will be satisfied.

‘There is still a lot of football to be played in this division so one would not be thinking about promotion at this stage,’ added Evans.

Evans only injury concern at the moment is Anto McLoughlin who received a shoulder injury in the defeat to Leitrim.

‘He is rehabbing at the moment but we will know more later in the week. We are not sure of the Derry game just yet,’ Evans added.