Forth Celtic v North End (Wexford Cup Final)

Intriguing Wexford Cup Final in Ferrycarrig yesterday between the cup holders (Forth Celtic) and perennial Wexford League winners (North End) before a really good crowd. First half was cagey enough with very few chances with Forth looking the fresher as North End must be half-ball locksed at this stage with the season they’ve had including a run to the FAI Junior Cup final. North End’s Spot Murphy had a good chance early on when he stabbed a North End free wide of Forth Celtic’s post. Jason McGuire in the North End goal then made a good save from a Forth Celtic shot and a bad clearance by McGuire then almost resulted in Forth's Adam Beary heading it into an empty net. Immediately afterwards, Beary had a good effort a yard wide and game entered half-time at 0-0.

Game needed an early goal in the second half and it got one when a good passing move by Forth resulted in Ryan Busher being sent clear and he finished well past McGuire for 1-0 to Forth. As the half progressed, Forth Celtic had two really good chances to increase their lead with very decent one-on-one chances against McGuire but they couldn’t finish on either occasion. North End sub, Robbie Kane, who made a difference, then had a shot on target deflected for a corner for North End. About midway through the half, North End were awarded a peno and Spot Murphy converted with his usual aplomb to make it 1-1. Forth Celtic looked to have secured the cup with a bizarre goal when McGuire chased out of his area to head a ball clear, but the ball landed to a Forth Celtic player about 40 yards out whose first-time volley bounced into the empty North End net with McGuire out of position. McGuire did have a chance to block the ball on its way in but couldn’t manage it so Forth secured the lead. Clive Lawler then made a tremendous save in the Forth goal to keep the Murrintown side ahead but, in the last minute or two of the game, Gary Delaney rose like an aged salmon at the far post to head home a North End corner and it was 2-2. Game went to extra-time which didn’t provide many additional chances although North End looked the stronger perhaps helped by a stronger bench. Penalties then and each side converted their first five penalties before Forth Celtic’s keeper, Clive Lawler, was unlucky to see Forth’s first sudden death spotter saved by McGuire to leave North End with a cup and league double. Excellent game by both sides played in very good spirit. Player of the match hard to pick out but I’ll give it to the lively Ryan Busher of Forth Celtic.