Salthill Devon

[ForzaForth]

Late goal on the ninety from Rocks secured all three points for the Youths in Drom tonight in what was an eventful and well-contested game. Youths started with Graham, Brian, Jamie, CJ, Corkey, Rocks, Caolan, Shane, Deano and with Glenn and Joey up front. However, there was an arctic breeze blowing straight across the pitch from the off and it made good football difficult. First few minutes were uneventful and, after 7, SD got their first corner. Youths again didn't defend it well and the SD defender had to stoop to head home at the near post with a completely free header. After fifteen, Glenn had the ball in the net but it was ruled out for offside. Youths then lost the ball badly inside their own half and this lead to an SD shot which was drilled just over. SD then picked up two yellow cards for robust tackles in quick succession. On the half-hour, Graham had to push away an SD free-kick one-handed.

[ForzaForth]

With seven to go in the half, another crude tackle, this time on Deano lead to a second yellow for the SD left-full to leave SD with ten. With a minute to go, Jamie had a header just over from a corner and the last action of the half was more poor marking by the Youth's defence leaving an SD attacker with an easy chance but he mis-directed it from about eight out to leave the score at 1-0 for SD at half-time. With the extra man, Youths started like a train in the second half and, after three, Deano was set up but shot over. A minute later, Jamie picked out Glenn at the far post and his bullet header smacked off the cross-bar and down for a goal which was given by the lino. A long ball then found Glenn in space who was blatantly pushed over with Youths looking for a penalty. Ref. after consulting the lino gave it just outside the box for a free. This call seemed to incense the Youths players on that side of the pitch as, a minute later, the fourth official called the ref. over who flashed a straight red to Joey for what was presumably dissent directed at either the fourth official or the lino. Both sides then down to ten men. However, the extra space seemed to suit the Youths more and they generally dominated the match until the end. With fifteen gone a good run by Deano set up Shane who shot over. The extra space also seemed to suit Caolan more in midfield as he repeatedly got on the ball after a quiet first forty-five. With twenty to go, Eric and Crokey came on for Shane and Caolan.

[ForzaForth]

With ten to go, Youths had an extraordinary chance to go in front when three players had a fresh air at a ball which went across the goal and when it was knocked back, another attacker hit the ball to the keeper at the near post when it looked easier to score. It was looking like a draw at that stage but, just on the blow, Rocks dispossessed an SD defender and drove on to just outside the box where he unleashed a low shot to give a useful SD keeper no chance for 2-1 to the Youths. Late yellow for Brian than finished the match to give the Youths a much-needed three points.

[ForzaForth]

With Derek O'Brien looking handy every time he got on the ball for SD, the home side were useful going forward but they never really came out for the second half. Best for Wexford were again the Nolan twins and Deano but they desperately need to calm down and hold onto the ball more if they're going to threaten the sides further up the league. 2-1 to the Youths at full-time.

[cornflakes]

Joey will be a big loss for next week. Has Tom Elmes not re-signed?

[ForzaForth]

Cornflakes

My understanding is that Tom couldn't give the commitment.

[Youths4Ever]

Also be interesting to see how long a ban Joey gets. Also wonder when Wall will be back he looked good in the Rovers LSC game

[corkie]

Watched youths vs cobh a couple weeks ago very poor youths side .. Heard there isn't many wexford lads in squad I think that's there problem. Why ain't there wexford lads playing for the youths

[nigel-harps1954]

Much of an attendance there Forza?

[ForzaForth]

Nigel

Would reckon about 60 or thereabouts

[nigel-harps1954]

Cheers. Extratime.ie said 126, and thought it was a bit high.