Bokerboys grab fantastic victory with exceptional team performance

Presentation College, Bray 1 – 2 Wexford CBS 

Wexford CBS travelled up to Greystones to take on Wicklow-Wexford rivals Pres Bray in the 2^nd round of the Leinster cup, a depleted squad missing some key players and came away with a phenomenal victory with a fantastic display of grit, determination and team spirit. After struggling to victory in their first 2 games the stakes were raised here for this cup tie as CBS faced an opponent of real quality. Pres Bray started the game at a high tempo and put the Bokerboys under pressure but the defending from the away side was resilient and impressive as they held their opponents at bay, restricting them only to long shots, which Dylan Bolger dealt with comfortably. As the game went on CBS gradually got a foothold and began to get on top creating a couple of good openings but Pres Bray defended well. The Bokerboys soon took the lead after an excellent move involving front pairing Jessie Farrell and Shane McGrath who linked up well to play in onrushing winger Mikey Lawlor who timed a run to perfection before calmly slotting home to the keepers right side to put the CBS 1-0 up. This was a game of top quality with both sides moving the ball well when in possession.  Pres Bray received a freekick deep in their own territory after a disputable call and played a direct ball to their striker who controlled the ball well before chipping over Bolger to level the score, a harsh lesson for the Bokerboys. CBS however responded brilliantly with Lawlor, McGrath and Farrell again linking up well this time Farrell was played in and he made no mistake when given the chance to put the CBS 2-1 ahead. Mikey Lalwor came close to adding a 3^rd just before half time with the same three again linking up but saw his effort rebound off the post.

The second half saw the renewal of a tense affair but gradually the CBS began to get on top with Eoin MacDonald and Dylan Dixon dominant in midfield. Pres Bray threw everything they had at the CBS but found no joy with captain Lar Stoutt giving an immense display at centre half alongside Ryan Byrne again allowing the home side no clearcut opportunity on goal. Darragh Rossiter filling in at left back was also faultless and started many key moves from that position. With 15 minutes remaining the CBS should have ensured victory after more fine work from Lawlor on the right Jessie Farrell struck the crossbar and the rebound fell to John Hamilton who fired just over with the goal wide open. Pres Bray did manage to find their way in close to the end but at a tight angle they fired an effort wide. Aaron Goodison came on and helped shore up the backline for the tiring Emmett Sinnott. The substitutes all played their part in this game Shaun Donoghue came on the left and made a fine run down the left flank before squaring to Farrell who finished only to see the referee disallow the goal with a dubious decision.  Emmet Ryan and Liam Rockett both came on up front and linked up well to play in Ryan who was unlucky not to score. As the game wore on it was clear there was only going to be one winner, the substitutes brought on upping the tempo against a tiring Bray side. The final whistle was blown with a feeling of jubilation for the CBS as they progressed to a home tie in the last 16 of the competition. On the day it was an amazing team performance with every player giving their all and for the first time this season the Bokerboys showed their true potential and class, that level of performance will galvanise the team and the same and more will be needed as they continue in this competition. Best on the day from an outstanding collective performance were Stoutt, MacDonald and Lawlor. However it must be noted that the most pleasing aspect of this win was the manner in which the boys supported each other and exemplified all that is good about team sports.

Wexford CBS: Dylan Bolger (North End), Emmett Sinnott (North End) , Lar Stoutt (North End), Ryan Byrne (Wexford Bohs), Darragh Rossiter (Forth Celtic),  Mikey Lawlor (North End),  Eoin MacDonald (Wexford Youths), John Hamilton (Forth Celtic), Dylan Dixon (Blackwater), Jessie Farrell (North End), Shane McGrath (Wexford Bohs) Subs:Liam Rockett (Curracloe Utd) for McGrath, Shaun Donoghue (Unnatached) for Hamilton, Aaron Goodison(Wexford Bohs) for Sinnott, Emmet Ryan (North End) for Farrell