Wexford Youths Women v Limerick

Very satisfactory debut for new manager Tom Elmes as his charges proved too strong for a battling Limerick side in Ferrycarrig tonight. With a number of alterations to this year’s Wexford squad, Tom started with Sophie Lenehan in goal, a backfour of Nicola Sinnott, Lauren Dwyer, Lolly Conlon and Ciara Rossiter, a midfieldfour of Becky Conroy, Edel Kennedy, Kylie Murphy and Aoibhin Webb and with Rianna Jarrett playing behind Claire O’Riordan up front. From the start, it became apparent that Wexford had more gas in the tank than Limerick, understandable for a side just starting off in the league. It led to a first half dominated by Wexford with Sophie Lenehan not called into action inthe Wexford goal during this first period. On three minutes, Becky Conroy, who made a strong impression on the wing, crossed for Claire O’Rordan but the latter’s header proved an easy catch for Trish Fennelly in the Limerick goal. Kylie Murphy and Claire O’Riordan then followed up with further chances before, on 12 minutes, Kylie Murphy latched onto a deflected through ball to finish comfortably past Fennelly for 1-0 to Wexford. It was 2-0 on 23 minutes when a cross by welcome returnee, Ciara Rossiter, hit the top of the crossbar and dropped down to leave Rianna Jarrett with the simplest of headers. Wexford then created a number of further chances before good work and a shot by Becky Conroy forced Fennelly to push the effort out, but Rianna Jarrett was again on hand to finish home for 3-0 at half-time.

Limerick had their best spell at the start of the secondhalf when Sylvia Gee unleashed a thunderbolt which was bravely knocked away by Ciara Rossier for a corner. However, Ciara was then unable to continue and was replaced by Rebekah Carroll also making her debut. Limerick then followed up this pressure by forcing two further corners but Sophie Lenehan was equal to both tests in the Wexford goal. Becky Conroy then further stretched Wexford’s lead by chipping over Fennelly with a nice finish from out on her wing. Further Wexford subs during this period were Becky Cassin who made passing the ball look simple in midfield and Orla Casey who drove forward well from the same area. Claire O’Riordan then got the goal she deserved with ten minutes to go when she accelerated past the Limerick defence and slotted past Fennelly for a 5-0 scoreline to Wexford at the final whistle. Best for Wexford were Becky Conroy, Lauren Dwyer, Kylie Murphy and Edel Kennedy, and I’ll give the player of the match award to Edel for her non-stop work in a dominating Wexford midfield before she was replaced. 5-0 to Wexford at full-time.