U16 INTER LEAGUE COMPETITION

Midlands League ... 1 Wexford Schoolboys League ... 1

The last time I stood on a touchline with aWexford side in weather as bad as this was Castlebar in April 1995 when the Wexford Youths were beaten on penalties in an All-Ireland semi-final. On Sunday we had to contend with gail force winds, lashing cold rain, a fussy, overbearing referee and for good measure, a plastic pitch. It was a game which we were disappointed not to win, as we dominated for long periods of time, but we could also have lost. The home side, coached by former Athlone goalkeeper Anthony Jinks, were well organised and more comfortable with the playing surface than the visitors. From the start, the game was played at a fast pace, just as well, considering the weather! We managed a lot of chances in the early stages, but as always on a plastic pitch, it seems more difficult to put the ball into the net. We did manage it once - a good ball out of defence by Craig McCabe, was played wide by Darren Foley to Denis Murray who got to the end line and crossed for Ian Sinnott to score - a good goal.The Midlands came more into the game before the break and could easily have equalised. They did just that early in the second half when they scored from a direct free kick - a super strike. The last 20 minutes belonged to Wexford as Darren Foley took control of midfield but the scoring opportunities went abegging. The final whistle brought regret and relief -regret for the missed chances, relief that we didn’t concede a breakaway goal as the home side were always dangerous, and more relief that we could get out of the incredible weather. Best for Wexford on the day were Darren Foley, Craig McCabe and Mossy Campbell. Next Sunday we must play a highly fancied Kilkenny side who are favourites to win the group. Another experience, another step in the learning curve. Wexford squad:Sean Allen, Craig McCabe, Richie Jeffers, Richie Farrell, Mossy Campbell, Chris Moore, Denis Murray, Darren Foley, Ian Sinnott, Aidan Nolan, Matthew Kavanagh, Peadar Murphy, Michael Cogley, Reilly Ronan John, Blake Carr, David White, Eoin Maddock.

- Mick Wallace.