Shamrock Rovers (Friendly)

Biting wind and all-weather pitch at IT Carlow resulted in match which didn't set the world alight and which eventually ended in a comfortable win for the Premier League team. Youths started with Graham in goal, a back four of Clarkey, Jamie, Crokey and Jimmy, a midfield five of Joey, Glenn, Shane, Brian and Caolan and with Deano up front on his own. Both sides looked very rusty at the start and little happened over the first ten or so. First chance fell to Rovers after about twelve when a weak defensive header by the Youths left a Rovers attacker with a free first-time volley from eighteen out, but he couldn't keep it on target. Five later, Graham pushed a shot which I think was just going wide away for a corner and a couple of minutes later did well to push away another Rover's effort which was definitely going in.

About 25 minutes in, Wexford were awarded a free-kick and this was followed by a straight red for Gary McCabe presumably for something off-the-ball. McCabe, together with Quigley, had been one of Rovers better players up to this. However, Wexford still couldn't dominate possession with the extra man as Rovers improved their passing as the match went on. With 30 gone, Rovers went a goal up when Quigley took a free from outside the box which Graham couldn't keep out even though he got a hand to it. Brian then got a yellow for a tackle and this was followed by Rover's second goal when a shot was blocked by a Youth's defender but the clearance was poor and it fell to a Rover's attacker who drilled it home for 2-0. Poor goal given away by the Youths. A few minutes before half-time, Youths had their first effort to test Murphy in the Rover's goal when Deano glanced a header just wide. Glenn was then just unable to get onto the end of another good Youth's cross for 2-0 to the Rovers at half-time.

3.0 was final score. Gary mc cabe was sent off for Rovers mid way through the first half. Sean O' connor got two goals and Mark Quigley got the other.

Youths brought on CJ, Eric, Graham Delaney and Craig McCabe at half-time and Corkey came on later. However, the second-half was even worse than the first with little testing of the keepers on either side. However, early on in the second, Rovers went three up when another free-kick was curled over the wall to give Graham no chance. Rovers than had another good chance when an attacker had a clear run on goal. However, he scooped the ball over the advancing GRaham but wide of the right-hand post to leave the score at 3-0. Youths finished strongly and Deano had a decent volley which he put just wide and then Wynn, in place of Murphy, had to make two good saves right at the end to leave the score at 3-0 at the final whistle.

Best for Wexford were probably Joey and Glenn while Deano worked really hard to create an impression in a thankless task up front. Wexford's midfield, like last year, is extremely busy and will dominate teams who can't match their work-rate. New signing Graham Delaney came on up front and looks technically useful. Missing were Rocks and Tom and, with Danny gone, Tom looks to be the key player for us this year. Thought Quigley and McCormack were the pick for Rovers. 3-0 to Rovers at full-time.

McCabe was sent off for an elbow on Brian Nolan. Have to disagree on Glenn thought he was largely anonymous. Rovers where bigger fitter and stronger but we won't face anything like them in first division