Senior Soccer

Wexford CBS 2 – 5 Palmerstown C.C

Heartbreak for CBS in All-Ireland quest

It was heartbreak for the senior soccer team as they succumbed to their first defeat of the season in the last 16 of the Leinster Senior cup against very good opposition at the Wexford Youths complex. The defeat will leave a bitter taste in the mouths of the team as on the day they outplayed their opponents for large parts of the game especially in the 2^nd half but were made to pay a lesson in finishing your chances. The game truly was a joy to be hold for the onlooker as it flowed from end to end straight from the off. The quality of football on show was immense one side would enjoy a dominant spell for a few minutes and then the other side would enjoy a spell. Both sides were looking to move the ball on the ground quickly and managed to do so with real purpose in a very open game of football.

The away side took the lead 10 minutes into first half Wexford CBS gave away a cheap corner and were made to pay as Palmerstowns left winger poked the ball home at the near post from a good delivery. The Bokerboys responded well with Shane McGrath forcing the keeper into a fine save, McGrath linked up well with Jessie Farrell to play in winger Mikey Lawlor who finished to level the scores 1- 1 and game on. The game continued to swing one way then another and soon the Bokerboys found themselves behind again as Palmerstown hit a shot from the left wing which found its way through a CBS defenders legs before hitting the net. Wexford were pressing hard to get level again with the Palmerstown keeper making some impressive saves, the excellent Darragh Rossiter was driving his side on and initiating attacks down the left hand side. The CBS were again punished for sloppy defending with just 3 minutes before the break, this time Tony Crosbie was guilty of holding onto possession too long when he should’ve cleared the danger, Tony was looking around for a pass and lost control to the oncoming Palmerstown striker who persistently pressed him won the ball and continued his run before finishing a well-placed effort to make it 3-1. This was a harsh lesson for the Bokerboys who were missing regular centre back Ryan Byrne who was out through illness. There was time again for another attack from the Bokerboys Mikey Lawlor winning a corner. From the resulting corner Eoin MacDonald rose highest but saw his effort crash off the underside of the crossbar. Half time 3-1.

The second half saw the Bokerboys come out with real purpose and renewed vigour as they completely dominated their opponents for the opening ten minutes. During this time Shane McGrath managed to round the keeper before firing wide, he again was in the right position moments later but headed over. Jessie Farrell was played in but was met by an outstanding save from the away keeper. McGrath had another headed effort go just over the bar but really he should’ve hit the target. The CBS were giving all they had looking to get back into the game and soon their hearts were broken. On their first attack of the 2^nd half after weathering a CBS storm Palmerstown added a 4^th Tony Crosbie received possession from Darragh Rossiter who won a tackle at left back Tony played a pass across to Emmet Sinnott who was fouled with a nasty two footed challenge which went unpunished from the referee the ball broke into the path of their left winger who completed his hat-trick with a first time effort to make it 4-1 totally against the run of play and the home side left aggrieved with the referee. The Bokerboys introduced some changes and attempted to get back into the game. Mikey Lawlor reduced the scoreline to 4-2 with his 2^nd goal with 20 minutes remaining and what a goal it was, truly an effort Cristiano Ronaldo would be proud of as he unleashed a ferocious effort from 35 yards out which left the keeper with no chance as it flew into the top corner almost bursting the net in the process. The CBS continued to play with passion and had the better of proceedings as they had changed to a 3-4-3 formation, they were found wanting again at the back as more sloppy defending left a man unmarked and into a one on one position from which he finished well to make it 5-2. CBS continued to play with their hearts upon their chest pushing everything forward but Palmerstown goalkeeper and defence coped admirably as they blocked a number of efforts with Dylan Dixon and Liam Rockett coming close to scoring. The scoreline certainly flattered the victors but the CBS were dealt a harsh lesson in taking chances and in being punished for making mistakes, Dylan Bolger can be proud of his display in goal despite letting in 5 this game could easily have finished 7 goals apiece. Still however they can be proud of their display as they gave their all nonetheless and never gave up during the game despite so many setbacks. The boys can also take pride in getting this far in the competition but know that this game could have finished differently had they ensured things went their way. That is how it is at this level however and next season perhaps we can go a few steps further. Best on the day for CBS were Darragh Rossiter, Eoin MacDonald, Jessie Farrell and Cian Doyle.

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