Wexford FC v Shelbourne (Friendly)

First pre-season friendly but cautious optimism that Wexford managers, Brian O’Sullivan and David Breen, have put together a more competitive squad as Shelbourne and Wexford played a 1-1 draw in horrible conditions at the AUL Complex this afternoon. The teams have already been provided on the respective club websites. First half was relatively even as chances were fairly scarce for both teams. Wexford’s back four looked solid while the midfield of Kavanagh and Fitzsimons was especially impressive. New signing Patrick O’Sullivan provided some zip from midfield for Wexford with Conor English doing well on his wing. Triallist A proved to be a useful target-man up front for the Slaneysiders with Craig Giles very active as a full-back down his side of pitch. Shelbourne were limited enough during the first period with a gap between playmakers Oscar Brennan and Gary Deegan fairly deep and Ciaran Kilduff up front. Early chances fell to both sides due to defensive mistakes but neither side could score in the difficult conditions. Wexford then had more of the play up to the half hour mark but Shelbourne finished strongly in the first half as they secured two corners and had a free header at the far post. Wexford, however, squeaked in front right on the whistle as Triallist A broke free down the left and managed to get space on his right foot to curl a nice shot past the Shelbourne keeper for 1-0 to Wexford at half-time.

Shelbourne put an entirely different XI on the pitch for the second half as Wexford made a handful of changes during the break. It proved to be a stronger XI for Shelbourne as they posed a far greater threat going forward with Georgie Poynton looking more lively in midfield and Karl Sheppard, in particular, looking a game-changer wide right as he posed a threat each time he touched the ball. Wexford coughed up an equaliser early on in the second period as an error at the back allowed Aaron Dobbs to roll a shot home easily insofar as anything was easy in the conditions. 1-1 at this stage. Shelbourne looked the more likely to score again as the game progressed with Sheppard having a header tipped over by the triallist between the Wexford posts. Wexford’s only real chance in the second period fell to Sean Roche who managed to stretch the Shelbourne second half keeper into a good save. 1-1 at full-time. Decent effort by Wexford but very early in the season at this stage. Next match is against Waterford in IT Carlow next Saturday.

Forza James English is he any relation to our new signing Conor English?

Marty

Don't think so. Conor English is from Kilkenny and has had two previous spells with us as well as playing with Evergreen. James English is, I'm fairly sure, from Dublin.