WDSL MATCH REPORT - U13 SFAI INTER LEAGUE BOYS - GROUP D

WICKLOW 0

LONGFORD 2

Two goals in 90 seconds saw Longford pick up their first U13 SFAI Inter League Boys - Group D win.

In a tight encounter on the all-weather at Travers Insurance Park in Arklow, the away team sealed the points thanks to the quick-fire double midway through the second half on Sunday afternoon. 

Previously in the section, the Garden County outfit had gone down 2-1 at the same venue to Kildare last December. Then earlier this month, succumbed 3-0 away to the Midlands League Red.

As for Longford, they drew 0-0 with the Midlands away last December before going down 1-0 at home to the NDSL three weeks ago.

In a tight opening period, both sides cancelled each other out – with clear cut chances at a premium.

The hosts made no less than five substitutes at the interval. And that sparked some life into to the contest.

Three minutes after the restart, sub Rian Ward’s low 22-yard effort was parried by Tommy Duffy. Evan Gregan reacted to the loose ball. But two covering defenders got back to concede a corner.

From the flag-kick that followed, Wicklow thought they’d scored. But referee Tony Doran ruled it out for a foul on the keeper – with many of home faithful thinking the ball had been spilled before being forced over the goal-line.

In the 40th minute, a quick free by Kevin Yan played in full back Ciaran Kenny along the right of the penalty area. But his attempt found the side netting.

Then in the 47th minute, Rian Ward broke free off the right flank. His cross picked out fellow reserve Drew Mernagh who directed his close-range header just off target.

Having rode their luck, and possibly somewhat against the ruin of play. Longford went ahead in the 49th minute.

Leon Zielenski embarked on a mazy run and created space to find the unmarked 

Senan Brody whose effort was pushed out by sub keeper Harry Waite. However, Charlie Maguire pounced to steer the rebound to the roof of the net close in.

Then in the 51st minute, Zielenski again went on a solo run. His low shot skidded on the surface and found the far-left corner of the net despite Waite getting a hand to the ball.

The Blue’s went close to pulling one back two minutes into stoppage time. Mikie O’Neill latched onto Yan’s through ball. But drove narrowly wide from the edge of the box.

Wicklow will complete their Group campaign next month away to the NDSL at the Oscar Traynor Centre.

WICKLOW: Dylan O’Neill; Ciaran Kenny, Drew Doyle, Jude Lawlor, Freddie Kavanagh; Oskar Dominik, Cian Ward, Sean Levins, Robbie Doyle, Kevin Yan; Mikie O’Neill.

SUBS: Rian Ward, Evan Gregan, Sean Byrne, Drew Mernagh, Harry Waite.

LONGFORD: Tommy Duffy; Tiernan O’Reilly, Thomas Duffy, Darragh Orme, Aaron Lennon; Leon Zielenski, Setanta Smith, Stephen Kelly; Charlie Maguire, Pedro Perriera; Senan Brody.

SUBS: Aaron Sheridan, Luke Collumb, Ben McLynn, Cian Kenny, Andy Duffy, Conor Fox, Noah Washington. 

REFEREE: Tony Doran (Wicklow ISRS).

REPORT :Paul Dowling