Shamrock Rovers B

[ForzaForth]

Deserved win by the Youths in Tallaght today after probably the best half of the season so far. Shane Keegan made two changes with Shane Nolan and Ben Ryan starting and went 4-4-2 with Graham, Craig, Lasty, Killian, Jimmy, Eric, Shane D., Shane N., Skelly and with Ben and Danny up front. First half was shaded by the Youths but there wasn't much in it. After eight minutes, Danny had a shot on target which Fagan in the Rovers' goal pushed away. The rebound fell to Eric and Fagan had to pull off another save. First chance for Rovers came on 24 minutes when Watson headed over when found by a cross from Onwubiko. First 45 then finished with a yellow card apiece with Ben getting a yellow for a tackle and then Rovers no. 11 for another tackle. 0-0 at half-time.

[ForzaForth]

Second half began with a great move by Rovers when they were only one pass away from walking the ball into the net. Immediately, Youths went up the pitch and Eric had a shot diverted for a corner. With ten minutes gone, Danny was put through on the left but Fagan saved with his legs for a corner. From the resulting corner, Eric had the ball in the net, but the ref. blew a second too early to give the Youths a peno after Onwubiko had kicked Lasty in the face tying to stop him score. Onwubiko got a yellow and Ben coolly despatched the peno to put the Youths ahead 1-0. Immediately, Rocks came on for Shane N. and went wide left. Three minutes later, Danny went round Fagan but couldn't put the ball away being on a very tight angle on his left.

[ForzaForth]

With 23 minutes gone, Wexford scored a super second when Skelly and Craig combined down the right and the low cross was volleyed first-time high into the roof of the net by Ben for his second and 2-0. Wexford then dominated the remainder with good combinations down both wings allowing crosses to come into the Rovers' box at regular intervals, but they didn't manage to convert any of them. With 15 minutes to go, Confrey and Onwubiko were replaced by Purdy and Sandford for Rovers. Danny nearly got a third with three minutes to go, but Fagan managed to keep the ball on the goal-line while going backwards. Late subs for Wexford were Daragh and Ricky for Danny and Skelly. Best for Wexford on a good day were Shane Dunne and Eric in midfield who were a yard quicker than their opponents and won a lot of ball. Ben showed composure up front while Danny, who thrives on good service, at least was able to test the Rovers keeper on a number of occasions. Onwubiko did well up front for Rovers but hadn't a lot of support although Sandford looked as if he could have come on earlier. Should also mention Skelly with his set pieces which come in at the required pace. 2-0 to the Youths at full-time.