U14s off to a great start

Cavan/Monaghan Schoolboy League......0
Wexford Schoolboy League....................3

Glaslough, Monaghan Sunday 30/1/2010

The under 14 County side had a tremendous start in their first competitive game this season. With an early start and a 4 hour Journey ahead of them the under 14 squad headed up to the boarder to face the early group leaders Cavan/Monaghan schoolboy League. Ken the driver from Ardcavan coaches timed the trip to perfection providing adequate stops along the way to ensure the team arrived without numb legs and cabin fever.

Wexford took charge from the first seconds with Aaron Diskin and Naomhán Rossiter dominating the early midfield exchanges and their unbelievable work rate saw them consolidate and maintain possession throughout the half. Wexford’s attacking players were determined to play their part too. Ross Reardon and Eoin Rhodes stayed wide and Adam Diskin stayed deep allowing Captain Daryll Power to have plenty of room to get on the ball and bring the lads into the game. The early signs were good and all four came close to opening the scoring. Ten minutes into the game Eoin found himself on the end of a through ball delivered into the area from Ross and he opened Wexford’s account with a superb strike.

Eoin then turned provider as he delivered a corner to the far post for Donnacha O'Connor to head home. Cavan/Monaghan reminded Wexford that the game wasn’t over when they broke through and managed to get one on one with Wexford’s keeper Dylan Owens but Dylan stood tall and prevented them from capitalising with a great stop. Wexford controlled the remainder of the first half. The attacking players all came close to scoring through individual breaks and superb passing moves but the third goal just wouldn’t come. Apart from the one chance that Cavan/Monaghan had, Donnacha and Cormac Moore Kavanagh with James Dunne and Adam Coates outside them closed off the attacks and counter attacked at every opportunity.   

Cavan/Monaghan must have had the hair dryer treatment at half time because they were a different team in the second half. They kept Wexfords full backs from breaking out as much and had a lot more possession. However, the Wexford defence stood strong and the only opportunities that Cavan/Monaghan enjoyed were from outside the area. Thankfully none of the efforts were of the quality needed to beat a keeper of Dylan’s ability. Wexford gave Cavan/Monaghan something new to deal with by bringing on Wojtek Teodovrowicz. Wojteks impact was immediate and after a few chances he found the net and Wexford had their third goal. Mark Carroll came on for a thoroughly exhausted James Dunne and his fresh legs and willingness to chase and harry every ball kept the Wexford defence strong for the remainder of the game. Kamil Kutkiewicz and Patrick Carton came on up front and their energy and skill on the ball pinned Cavan/Monaghan in their own half for the remainder of the game.

Unused players that travelled were Cian O'Donoghue, Conor O’Reilly, Daniel Carroll and Brad Cohen. All 4 would not have been found wanting had they started or been brought on. It was a long way to travel and not play but they were there if the team needed them. For the support they gave the team and for the reassurance their presence gave the manager they are owed a special thank you. The 12 other squad members who didn’t travel make picking a match day squad very difficult. The competition for places is unbelievable and long may it continue because it’s this competition for places that brings out performances like the one seen on Sunday.

Karl