Shamrock Rovers B

[ForzaForth]

Reasonably comfortable win for the Youths in Ferrycarrig tonight although it took a second goal with the last kick of the match to ensure the three points. The game was also highlighted by a display down the left wing by Andy Mulligan, particularly in the second half, of which I haven't seen the equal from the Youths for many a long year. Youths started with the same XI as against Waterford with Graham, Peter, Lasty, Killian, Shane N., Eric, Craig, Dunny, Andy and with Rocks and Danny up front. First half was generally disappointing and devoid of chances with Rovers neat and tidy until half-way but toothless up front and Youths looking heavy-legged after the effort in Longford on Tuesday. On ten minutes, Andy pulled the ball back from the left wing but it was cut out by a Rovers defender for a corner. Rovers then had a few corners but nothing came of them. On 20 minutes, Danny got a shot away but was about a yard wide. Best effort of the first period was on the half-hour when Purdy got a good effort on target, but Graham managed to stretch enough just to fingertip it away for a corner. Kavanagh came on for Rovers for a limping Keogh during the first half. 0-0 at half-time after a poor 45 minutes.

[ForzaForth]

Youths clearly had to up the tempo in the second period and did so. After ten minutes, a pinpoint cross by Mulligan was met by Rocks free about ten yards out, but he headed over. Five later, Mulligan got free down the left again, found Rocks in the box who was able to take two touches before slotting home for 1-0 to the Youths. On twenty minutes, Mulligan took a free which Lasty headed off the underside of the bar but came out. Midway through the half, Sandford came on up front for Rovers. A minute later, Higgins got a yellow for kicking the ball further out when it was already out. With 15 minutes to go, Ben Ryan came on for Craig Wall. On 78 minutes,the ball dropped to Rocks inside the Rovers area after a deflected cross, but he shot wide. Mulligan then set up Ben again inside the Rover's area after more good work down the left, but he shot straight at O'Malley in the Rover's goal from ten out. More Mulligan magic down the left then set up Ben again but O'Malley pulled off an excellent save to keep the ball out. Right on the 90 minutes, Rovers got their only chance of the second period, when Graham kept out a scrambled effort which was either excellent reflexes or he didn't know much about it. Rovers then followed this up by a 30 yard free but hit it well over. In injury-time, with Rovers pressing, Mulligan found himself free running at O'Malley but his dink over the keeper went a yard wide. Then, right on the final whistle, Mulligan put Danny free down the right, who managed to round O'Malley, but being too wide to shoot himself, pulled it back to Shane Dunne who tucked it away into the top left corner and 2-0. Game didn't restart with ref sounding full-time. Best for Wexford was obviously Mulligan who created havoc down the left in the secnd half when the ball was given to him at his feet. Otherwise, Lasty and Killian snuffed out any Rover's threat at the back. For Rovers, Heeney was impressive and Whelan down the right but the goal-scoring threat just isn't there. 2-0 at full time to the Youths. About 320 at it but again lots of on-pitch junior matches at half time.