Under 17 Soccer

Wexford C.B.S. ...5 Enniscorthy V.C. ...0

Wexford CBS Under 17 side began their Wicklow-Wexford league campaign with an impressive victory away to a well drilled Enniscorthy side. In recent years Enniscorthy have proved a difficult stumbling block for the Boker boys but on this occasion the lads produced a dominant performance to take all 3 points.

The first half proved a frustrating affair for the CBS as Enniscorthy defended deep and looked to frustrate their opponents. CBS began well and controlled possession from the off, Emmet Sinnot and Mark Doyle were combining well down the left flank and creating numerous chances for the away side as Jessie Farrell, Cian Doyle and John Hamilton all went close to scoring. Both Doyle and Sinnott were firing in a number of dangerous crosses which the Enniscorthy side were struggling to deal with and Emmer went close with a good strike from range only to force a good stop from the keeper. Half way through the first half the CBS thought they had broken the deadlock only for Jessie Farrell to be marginally ruled offside as he neatly finished a Darragh Rossiter through ball. The Wexford town side continued to impress and create chances but were unable to find a first-half goal against a resolute Enniscorthy side as Richie Kearney narrowly headed over from a corner and right on the stroke of half time Jessie Farrell chipped the keeper but also saw his effort narrowly float over the bar. This left the sides level at the break 0-0.

The second half began with a renewed vigour in the CBS side as they upped the tempo in a search of that elusive goal. It did not take long to come as the boys moved the ball around nicely up front before setting up John Hamilton who took a touch before unleashing a ferocious strike from outside the box which hit the top corner to leave the Enniscorthy keeper with no chance to put the bokerboys one up. The Wexford lads now smelt blood and another goal soon followed as impressive half time sub Dylan Dixon took a nice touch before firing home from a narrow angle after good build up play from Rossiter, Hamilton and Cian Doyle to make it 2-0. A third soon followed as CBS pressure forced a corner and captain Richie Kearney rose well at the far post to nod home a Mark Doyle corner. The CBS were forced into changing centre half Lar Stoutt after he took a blow to the ribs from a tough challenge.

 A 4^th goal immediately followed as the Enniscorthy side lost their composure, the referee bizarrely waved play on as the Enniscorthy keeper tried to tear Jessie Farrell’s shirt off after he had side-stepped him but Jessie managed to stay on his feet and lay the ball out to onrushing winger Dixon who netted his second goal with a lovely curling effort with the outside of the right foot. The bokerboys continued to dominate the game through the middle of the field as John Hamilton and Darragh Rossiter dominated the centre and found a fifth goal when substitute Sam Okegbile finished from close range after some good play from the left wing from the CBS. Enniscorthy almost got themselves a consolation goal only for an acrobatic save from Shane McGrath who was in no mood to relinquish his clean sheet.

A very good start to the season for the under 17 side who are of course looking to retain their under 16 Wicklow-Wexford title from last year. Up next are Bridgetown at home. Best on the day for the CBS from an exceptional team performance were Kearney, Sinnot, Hamilton, Mark Doyle and super-sub Dixon.

 Wexford CBS: Shane McGrath (Wexford Albion), Eoghan Whitty (Forth Celtic), Richie Kearney (cpt) (North End), Lar Stoutt (North End), Emmet Sinnot (North End), Tadhg Dunleavy (North End), John Hamilton (Forth Celtic), Darragh Rossiter (Forth Celtic), Mark Doyle (Wexford Celtic), Jessie Farrell (North End), Cian Doyle (Wexford Celtic) Subs: Dylan Dixon (Curracloe Utd.), Emmet O’Connor (Corach Ramblers), Sam Okegbile (Wexford Celtic), George Cullen (North End), Emmet Ryan (Wexford Celtic) Matthew Devereaux (Wexford Celtic)