Wexford FC U17 v Klub Kildare (Mark Farren Cup)

Pivotal moment in this competitive Mark Farren Cup game occurred on 35 minutes of the first half when KK’s Chris Idah (brother of Adam, if I’m right), received a second yellow after what looked like an innocent challenge between himself and a Wexford defender who also got a yellow. However, Idah had previously been lucky to receive only a yellow when he appeared to aim an off-the-ball kick at a Wexford defender and became the target for a winding-up job from then on. Wexford started with Carr, Dempsey, Norval, Butler, O’Neill, Maher, Conway, Sherlock, Byrne, Doyle and Wasilewski. From the start it was fairly even although KK had slightly the edge. Best save of the half by Wexford came on 14 minutes when Carr in the Wexford goal pushed a good KK effort onto his own crossbar at full stretch. Wexford’s first decent effort on the KK goal came on 26 minutes when a good Wexford move ended up with an offside flag. After KK went a man down, the away side were able to hold their own without Wexford being able to create much. 0-0 at halftime.

Second half continued in much the same manner with KK still able to hold their own but the game changed when Wexford brought on speedster, Tariq Almasry, together with Darragh Kinch. Wexford now had an abundance of pace down KK’s right side with Almasry and Alex Norval both able to make inroads down that side of the pitch. It led to the only goal of the game on 24 minutes of the second half when Alex Norval managed to cut in from the left wing and drill a low shot past the KK keeper at his near post. Wexford were able to see out the game from then on although a fine KK side did apply some pressure towards the end. 1-0 to Wexford at full-time.