UCD

[ForzaForth]

Dreadful conditions in Ferrycarrig tonight meant that chances were at a premium for both sides, and it looked a nailed on 0-0 draw until a stunning late strike by Duxey Dunne secured the points for the home side. Shane Keegan started with the same XI as against Cobh with Graham, Craig, Lee, Gary, Ryan, Speedy, Andy, Peter, Duxey and with Rocks and Danny up front. There was a rain sodden gale blowing towards the dressingrooms and Wexford had this in their favour in the first half. UCD nearly went ahead in the first minute when a Wexford defender sliced a UCD cross towards his own goal but luckily Graham was able to gather at the second attempt. On 12 minutes, Andy whipped a dangerous cross into the UCD box, but Danny was just unable to get to it. With 16 gone, Rocks got a yellow for a tackle. The ball was holding up for the UCD forwards, and on 25 minutes they had the ball in the net but it was blown up for an infringement. Two minutes later, Youths had half-hearted appeals for a peno when a UCD defender blocked a volley by Danny with his body. Wexford finished the half well when on 37 minutes, Danny was put through down the right but his half-volley was well wide. Youths then finished with three dangerous free-kicks but none worked Corbet in the UCD goal and you thought that the Youths might pay for this in the second half. 0-0 at half-time and decent chances few and far between.

[ForzaForth]

UCD started with the strong gale in their favour in the second half and it soon became clear that they were generally determined to try to play the ball down the pitch which didn't really work out. In fact, with the ball now holding up for the Youths, it was the latter side which dominated the second period. On 12 minutes, UCD picked up a yellow for a tackle. On 15 minutes, Eric came on for Speedy down the right and immediately impressed down that side. On 19 minutes, Danny had a shot coming in from the right but Corbet was able to push it away. Youths also had a number of corners at this stage but virtually all didn't beat the first defender especially from the left side. In contrast, Graham in the Youths goal had little to do at this stage. On 25 minutes, Andy had a run in on goal and broke down which what looked like a bad thigh or hamstring injury. He was immediately replaced by Paul Cahillane. With eight minutes to go in the half, Eric Molloy had a good run down the right wing for the Youths, passed inside to Duxey Dunne whose first-time effort from 25 yards out nearly broke the net at the top left-hand corner to give Corbet no chance and put the Youths ahead.

[ForzaForth]

UCD then pressed hard for the equaliser in the remaining time left and, with five minutes to go had a shot deflected over the Youth's cross bar by a Wexford defender, and then on 90 minutes, Graham dropped a routine shot through his legs which nearly trickled over the line just before he grabbed it again to keep the score at 1-0 to the Youths. With two of the five minutes of injury-time gone, Rocks kicked the ball away having conceded a free and was given a second yellow to bring the Youths down to ten. However, Youths were able to see it home for a final score of 1-0. On a day where it was hard to show any technical skill, best for Wexford were the back four of Craig, Gary, Lee and Ryan who conceded little with Gary the pick of the bunch. Crowd was called at 603.

[nigel-harps1954]

That'll essentially be the league clincher for you. Can't see anyone catching Youths at this stage and it'd be a well deserved promotion after a long slog in the First Division.

[Charlie Darwin]

9 points clear of UCD and 7 of Harps is huge at this stage of the season. It's not all over but with the best striker in the league I can't see them giving up those points. Well done, lads, I look forward to welcoming you as a Premier Division club. A huge well done to Shane Keegan too, and all the people behind the scenes who've built Wexford up against the odds.

[ForzaForth]

Video of Shane 'Duxey' Dunne's winner against UCD available here.

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