MU19’s Match Report – Wexford FC 4-2 CK United
Our U19’s ran out 4-2 winners over CK United earlier today in what was a feisty yet entertaining encounter. Goals from Robbie O’Toole, Evan Farrell and Sean Fitzpatrick (2) were enough to claim the three points in what were extremely wet and slippery conditions.
It was so close to the perfect start for Wexford, as Sean Fitzpatrick took advantage of a defensive mishap to drive infield onto his right and unleash an effort which had O’Neill beaten in the CK goal but unfortunately hit the base of the upright.
Throughout the affair the away side looked menacing from dead ball situations, and it was through that avenue in which the deadlock would be broken. Miscommunication amongst the Wexford defence allowed an unmarked Leavy to head home into an empty net from Murphy’s deep lying free kick. Wexford FC 0-1 CK United.
Wexford managed to play their way back into the game following that early set back and created some half chances. We did draw ourselves onto level terms in the 26th minute when Fitzpatrick turned his man inside-out before cutting the ball back to Robbie O’Toole who made no mistake with his side footed finish. Wexford FC 1-1 CK United.
Moments later Wexford were unlucky not to find themselves in front, Darragh Levingston was superbly denied from close range by O’Neill’s firm handed save to keep the scoreline level. At the other end Wexford struggled to deal with another CK set piece, but no United player was there to follow up on Bates’ header back across goal. Half Time: Wexford FC 1-1 CK United.
Wexford started the second half strongly and when Evan Farrell was played through one on one he made no mistake with a lovely dinked finish over the onrushing O’Neill and the attempted intervention of Bates on the goal line. Wexford FC 2-1 CK United.
It would soon go from bad to worse for CK when Kyle Foley spotted the run of Sean Fitzpatrick behind the backline. He only needed one touch to compose himself before burying the ball past the helpless O’Neill and into the far corner. Wexford FC 3-1 CK United.
The greasy weather conditions were evident throughout the game with both sets of players losing their footing on numerous occasions. One of these occurrences allowed Emmanuel a clear sight on the Wexford goal, but he was excellently denied by the outstretched leg of William Hayes.
CK keeper O’Neill was perhaps their standout player, who made a string of impressive stops to keep the scoreline down. He was rather unfortunate that despite his best attempt he couldn’t quite prevent Sean Fitzpatrick from doubling his account, with a deft outside the boot finish. Wexford FC 4-1 CK United.
This was not yet end of the afternoon’s drama, as Evan Farrell was rather unfortunate to be shown a second yellow card for a high boot as he attempted an acrobatic bicycle kick, only to catch O’Neill who had bravely gotten to the ball just before the Wexford man.
CK managed to make the scoreline more respectable just before the death when Leavy’s deflected effort eluded the sprawling dive of Hayes and nestled into the back of the Wexford net. Wexford FC 4-2 CK United.
Wexford saw the game out and were the deserved winners in what was an entertaining encounter in difficult conditions for both sets of players. Full time- Wexford FC 4-2 CK United.
Wexford FC: Hayes (GK), Harnett (Wafer, 81’), Holden (McGrath, 81’), Russell, C Levingston (Hunston, 62’), O’Toole, Lapite (O’Lionain, 71’), Farrell, D Levingston (Maher, 71’), Fitzpatrick, Foley. (Unused Substitutes: C.Maher, S. O’Leary, B. Rossiter, N. Howick)
CK United: O’Neill, Murphy, O’Connor, Hughes, Bates, Leavy, Collins, Browne, Dunphy, Tarter, Behan.
Match Officials: Ian O’Keefe, Alan Franklin, Brian Fenlon.
Match Report: Ethan Lahiff.
