Wexford 0-0 Kilkenny

Wexford were held to a scoreless draw in their final game of the group phase in the Cashin Cup in sunny Curracloe last Sunday afternoon. In a promising first half, Wexford dominated with noticeable performances from Dale Kirwan and Conor Sutton and the back four. However, Wexford could not turn their dominance into goals with Kilkenny defending well throughout a first half that saw few real opportunities for either team. An opportunity did fall to Robert Coakley 20 minutes in. Nathan Brennan attacked down the left and his cross was met by Robert Coakley whose shot form the edge of the box was comfortably saved by the Kilkenny keeper. Conor Sutton was on the edge of the box and took advantage of a half clearance following a corner only to see it go wide of the Kilkenny post. Aaron Maddock went through midfield on a threatening run only for his pass to go astray when taking a shot looked to be a better option. There were half chances from corner’s presented to Wexford throughout the first half but they couldn’t take advantage of them with Kilkenny’s resolute defending. The second half witnessed a turn around as Kilkenny took the game to Wexford and had opportunities to break the deadlock but they found a very organised Wexford back four led by captain Padge Doyle hard to break down. When they did manage to get through on occasion, they found Dylan Murphy in good form in goal. With Kilkenny pushing forward, Wexford created a couple of chances on the break. A Darragh Rossitor shot was saved comfortably by the Kilkenny keeper who had to be sure of his safe hands with Daniel Brennan and Robert Coakley rushing in for any errors. Aaron Maddock once again raced through the middle and chose to pass when a shot was perhaps the better option. Nathan Brennan saw his free kick sail over the bar while Conor Sutton also had an opportunity only for his shot to be comfortably saved. It was a good game of football over all with both sides showing some enterprising play throughout the game although the second half dominance would swing back and forth between the two sides. Wexford’s faith is now out of their hands. The draw places them top of the group by a point from the DDSL who play their final game this Wednesday away to SDFL. It’s a game DDSL now have to win if they are to top the group. Either way, it has been a good competition for Wexford this year having accumulated seven points from two wins and a draw against the three Dublin leagues and the team has certainly developed in to a good competitive football team.