WYW v Kilkenny (Cup)

For anyone interested, it's planned to have audio commentary on today's cup semi-final at the usual link with a trip to the Aviva for the winners (kick-off 2pm).

http://mixlr.com/wexfordyouths

Semi-final went to form with Wexford gaining an easy victory against Kilkenny in Ferrycarrig this afternoon. Gary Hunt made two changes from the XI which started against UCD with Aoibhin Webb and Kylie Murphy starting and went with Sophie, Nicola, Jess, Lauren, Amy, Linda, Becky, Kylie, Aisling and Aoibhin and Claire up front. Wexford started very well and created some good chances early on with Aoibhin, Becky and Claire going close. The only surprise was that it took Wexford so long to get their first when Aoibhin knocked home a good cross by Aisling Frawley for 1-0 to WYW after half an hour. Kilkenny had their first shot on goal just after this when a volley went a couple of feet above Sophie Lenehan's goal. It was more or less one-way traffic from then on with Wexford dominating possession. Wexford went 2-0 up on 35 minutes when an excellent Murphy in the Kilkenny goal prevented Claire O'Riordan from scoring, but Aoibhin Webb was on hand to knock home the rebound. Claire O'Riordan then made it 3-0 with a tap-in at the far post from a corner and then got her second right on the half-time whistle when she robbed the last Kilkenny defender and buried it past Murphy for4-0 at half-time.

Tamara Furlong came on for Sophie Lenehan at half-time and later Wexford subs were Bosco Conlon and Aoife Prendergast. Further goals followed for Wexford when Becky Cassin had a far post header for 5-0,Kylie Murphy won a second header inside the KK penalty area for 6-0, and an own goal by a Kilkenny defender who headed into her own net when under severe pressure by a Wexford attacker made it 7-0 at full-time. Bosco Conlon went off injured with about ten minutes to go so Wexford played with ten from then on as all subs had been used. Overall, very comfortable win for Wexford with Kilkenny hampered by the bizarre age rule for the Cup which prevented a number of their registered players from playing.

So, a repeat of last year's classic final with Wexford facing Shelbourne again. Given Shelbourne's current form, the Dublin side must be favourites this year, but Wexford will undoubtedly relish the chance to defend the Cup in the Aviva. 7-0 to Wexford at full-time with about 100 at the match.