U14 SFAI INTER LEAGUE MATCH REPORT

WICKLOW 4 LISBURN CASTLEREAGH 2

Two goals in each period saw Wicklow advance to the Semi Finals of the U14 SFAI Inter League Trophy

Leading 2-1 at the break at Travers Insurances Park in Arklow on Sunday afternoon, the home side ran out 4-2 winners against Lisburn Castlereagh.

In truth, although the score-line deservedly reflected the result in the hosts favour, had they converted more of the countless chances they created, the final outcome would have been more impressive.

Despite early pressure and dominance, the Garden County outfit hit the front in the 14th minute.

The Northern Ireland visitors had a corner which they were unable to get a shot away.

Wicklow broke off the right with Failim Redmond beating an opponent to create a clear run. He got into the box, drew goalkeeper Jacob Andrews and squared to the inrushing David McCormack to slot into an open goal.

Further opportunities were abegging for the Blue’s before - somewhat against the run of play – the team from just outside Belfast equalised in the 27th minute.

A free dropped in the home box and wasn’t dealt with. Nathan McFarlane reacted, showed good footwork to beat two players before rolling over the line from eight yards.

The hosts responded two minutes before the break in the 33rd minute to go back in front. 

Kale Conyard swung over a corner left-footed from the right flank. It came down at the back post where Richard Carton got the vital touch after a scramble.

It appeared all over when Wicklow made it 3-1 in the 41st minute.

Redmond cut-out a kick-out. He then slipped in substitute Luke Hilliard who shrugged off a challenge in the penalty before setting up Cian Murphy who curled in right-footed with a precise 15-yard finish.

However, that joy was short-lived as Lisburn pulled one back without moments. After a home defensive mix-up, Lewis Andrews chipped to the unguarded goal from 20-yards.

The win was only sealed in the 47th minute.

From just outside his out box, Kale Conyard played a brilliant ball down the left channel for Murphy to chase down. He burst into the penalty area and as reserve custodian Archie Murdouch advanced, the striker squared for Hilliard who fired into an empty net from six yards.

Wicklow’s reward is an away trip later this month against Longford for a place in the Trophy final.

WICKLOW: Lucy Doyle; Shane Doyle, Richard Carton, Alex Murphy; Kale Conyard; Tristan Fogarty, Sam Conyard, David McCormack; Failim Redmond; Zach Kavanagh, Cian Murphy.

SUBS: James Conyard, Sam Morahan, Luke Hilliard, Tommy Morrissey, Ryan Cox,

LISBURN CASTLEREAGH: Jacob Andrews; Corey Sanagan, Tyler Mayne, Nathan Williamson; Lewis Andrews, Nathan Johnson, Adam Black, Fergal Hale, Christopher Ellames; Nathan McFarlane; Finn Perry.

SUBS: Lewis Durant, Jay Ffye, Zane McWilliams, Archie Murdouch.

REFEREE: Tony Doran (Wicklow ISRS).

Report by Paul Dowling