WDSL MATCH REPORT – U14 PREMIER LEAGUE

RATHNEW AFC Vs NEWTOWN JUNIORS 

Amid horrendous conditions, rampant Rathnew opened their WDSL U14 Premier League season with a convincing win over Newtown.

The pitch at Shamrock Park was barely playable on Saturday morning after the poor weather of late. The match was played as rain fell throughout.

Referee Jimmy Gilsenan allowed the contest to go ahead on the soggy surface after consulting with both clubs.

He stopped play midway through the opening period and spoke to both players and two teams’ management before allowing the match to proceed.

By that stage, the Villagers had already scored three times – as they dominated from the first kick-off.

To their credit, the ‘Juniors kept going. They never gave up and maintained their discipline. 

The simple fact is they came up against better opposition. 

In what was both sides opening league fixture in the section of the 2024 season, 

Falim Redmond broke the deadlock after just six minutes after a solo run and low finish from just inside the box.

Five minutes later, he turned provider before supplying the cross which was converted by Ryan Wildes.

Redmond found the net again in the 12th minute before completing his treble superbly in first half stoppage time. Collecting a centre from the right by Wildes, Redmond turned well before placing a left-footed effort to the far corner from 15-yards.

The non-stop pressure continued after the interval.

Alex McKenna was on the mark in the 39th minute with a stunning run and shot that went off the post from outside the box. 

Harry Messitt got in the act when finding the net five minutes later.

Redmond notched his fourth of the tie in the 54th minute.

Shane Doyle’s 62nd minute saw Messitt swivel and fire through a crowded goalmouth.

Just seconds later, another Doyle corner saw Jayden McGovern get the last touch to force the ball over the line.

Substitute Alex Tyson wrapped up matters in the 65th minute when following up on a rebound. 

RATHNEW AFC: Josh Smullen; Jayden McGovern; Alex Murphy, Alfie Wallace, Ryan Dunne; Ryan Wildes, Falim Redmond, Shane Doyle, Akki Ashanti; Alex McKenna, Harry Messitt.

SUBS: Marcel Figo, Callum Conyard, Aiden Kelly, Alex Tyson.

NEWTOWN JUNIORS: AJ Doyle; Aidan Doyle, Theo Messitt, Tommie Ryan, 

David Gray; Finn Heffernan, Cobor Slevin, Bobby Spillane, Elliott Garrett, Noah Synnott; Alex Mackey.

SUBS: Jack Gavin, Brody Doyle, Gerry Hoban, Lucas O’Toole.

REFEREE: Jimmy Gilsenan.

Report by Paul Dowling