Soccer U.17

Wexfoed C.B.S....1  Gorey C.S......3

On Thursday 7^th of November Wexford CBS came out second best after a tough encounter with reigning all-Ireland champions Gorey C.S on the school grounds. The game displayed some wonderful football from both sides in poor conditions as a strong wind had a major effect on the game, but the Bokerboys will feel that they may well have deserved more from the game.

The game began brightly and the CBS looked to take the game to the away side with Jessie Farrell and Dylan Dixon linking well up front but unable to force any real chances as Gorey were defending well. Gorey did manage to break forward against the strong wind and strike an effort off the crossbar. The game was proving to be a real battle in midfield with both sides doing what they could to get on top in the game. On 20 minutes Wexford CBS were awarded a penalty as a Gorey defender blocked a corner kick with his arm, Jessie Farrell stepped up but his penalty was well saved from Gorey’s Irish u-16 international goalkeeper. Gorey finally made the breakthrough in this tense game 5 minutes later as a well delivered free kick was met at the back post for a neat finish to put Gorey ahead. The CBS managed to level the scores within ten minutes after the move of the first half Jessie Farrell controlled a sweeping ball and found Dylan Dixon with a pass, Dixon flicked on for onrushing midfielder and Eoin MacDonald who finished well low into the far corner from the edge of the box to leave the sides level at half time.

In the second half Gorey with the wind at their backs really took the game to the home side and for the first 15 minutes were easily the better team, however they were finding chances hard to come by as the Bokerboys defended well. Jessie Farrell almost gave CBS a lead against the run of play as his long range effort clipped the top of the crossbar before going over. Ten minutes into the second half they did manage to put themselves ahead after the CBS failed to clear a cross and their number 8 managed to poke home a close range finish. CBS responded well and took the game to their opponents but the Gorey defence was in no mood to relinquish their lead. Gorey doubled their advantage midway through the second half, the CBS were complaining as they felt they deserved a free during the build-up which wasn’t given, allowing Goreys central midfielder a clear run on goal his effort was well saved by Shane McGrath, and some sloppy defending left nobody picking up Goreys left winger who scored from close range. The Bokerboys did respond well and for the last ten minutes put real pressure on the Gorey defence, Gorey were resolute and their keeper managed to pull off two exceptional saves before the final whistle. Substitutes Dylan Ennis and Gary Cullen did have an impact as the CBS got back into the game.

A very good game of football was played and on the balance of play the better side won the game, but the CBS will rue that missed penalty, at this level you cannot afford not to take chances. CBS now await the result between Gorey and Bridgetown to see if they qualify for the next stage of the competition where they should face Arklow CBS away. Best for the CBS were keeper Shane McGrath Alex Bergin and Emmett Sinnott who defended well throughout, John Hamilton in midfield and Jessie Farrell up front.

Wexford CBS: Shane McGrath (Wexford Bohs), Mikey Lawlor (North End), Alex Bergin (Wexford Bohs), Emmett Sinnott (North End), , Aaron Goodison (Wexford Bohs), John Hamilton (Forth Celtic), Eoin MacDonald (Wexford Celtic), Darragh Rossiter (Wexford Youths), Emmet Ryan (Wexford Celtic) Jessie Farrell (North End), Dylan Dixon (Curracloe), Subs: Dylan Ennis (North End) for Ryan, Gary Cullen (North End) for MacDonald, Tony Crosbie (North End) for Goodison, Lee Busher (Wexford Albion) for Lawlor , also Rob Donnelly (St.Josephs)