Wexford FC v Cobh (Play-Off, First Leg)

Advantage to Cobh, and probably deservedly so, as they edged a close enough game in Ferrycarrig tonight. Conditions were soft enough underfoot, with a very greasy surface and you never knew if the ball was going to bounce or skid with the ball itself being like a bar of soap. It made the night a hard task for both goalkeepers and ultimately proved to be the difference between the two sides. Wexford started with Charlie, Darragh, Ethan, Dobbsy, James, Corban, Kian, Reece, Cian, Luke and Thomas. After a nervy few minutes by both sides, Wexford began their best spell of the game when Darragh Levingston shot wide after being set up by the excellent Reece Webb for Wexford who was causing damage down Cobh’s left wing. Wexford then claimed for a peno when Steacy in the Cobh goal dropped a routine cross and may have impeded a Wexford attacker but nothing was given. Game changed on 15 minutes when Cobh won a corner and this time Charlie Heffernan in the Wexford goal couldn’t keep hold of a routine enough delivery and the ball appeared to fall behind him and into the net for 1-0 to Cobh. Two minutes later, Wexford’s Corban Piper had a near-post effort which was pushed away by Steacy for a Wexford corner. Wexford then lost their way somewhat as Cobh finished the half strongly. Jack Doherty caused problems for Heffernan in the Wexford goal when again the greasy ball escaped his grasp and it almost led to a Cobh second. A Cobh free from wide left which smacked off the Wexford crossbar but stayed out was the next decent attempt on goal as the away side continued to dominate. 1-0 to Cobh at halftime.

Wexford brought on Luka Lovic at halftime instead of Corban Piper who seemed to be doing a good job as the limpet on Jack Doherty’s back. Wexford again began with a good spell at the start of the second period and Kian Corbally had a half-chance for Wexford and then Dobbsy had a low shot saved by Steacy in the Cobh goal. On 13 minutes, Kian Corbally connected with a rebound from a shot by Dobbsy and, somehow, it didn’t cross the Cobh goal-line. Was it held up by the muddy patch in the Cobh goal? After this, Wexford attacked in fits and starts mainly through long throws by Cian O’Malley but a very resolute Cobh defence held comfortably firm. In contrast, Jack Doherty and Wilson Waweru for Cobh continued to pose a threat up front for Cobh as the away side held onto their lead. Later subs for Wexford were Mark Hanratty and Danny Furlong. The tie isn’t over yet but Wexford will need to score first in the second leg in Cobh. 1-0 to Cobh at fulltime. Crowd was believed to be 1,010.