Wexford FC v Athlone

[ForzaForth]

Good second-half performance by Athlone meant that they deserved the three points in a closely contested game in Ferrycarrig this evening. Wexford started with Tom, Dan, James, Jay, Craig, Azeez, Conor, Karl, Jack Larkin, Charlie and with Jack Doherty up front. Wexford probably shaded the first half-hour but without creating many clear-cut chances. Most of their good play came through the guile of the energetic Jack Doherty up front. About the half-hour mark, Charlie Smith of Wexford picked up a yellow for a tackle. Athlone then finished the half strongly as they had a header just wide of the Wexford post and followed this up with a great free kick which appeared to hit the inside of the post and bar of the Wexford goal but somehow come back into play. 0-0 at half-time.

[ForzaForth]

Wexford brought on Malike Hill-Benrouguibi at half-time for Jack Larkin who had been playing well and was presumably injured. Four minutes later, another hammerblow for Wexford as the excellent Jay Nwanze also limped off and was replaced by Kevin McEvoy. Wexford have suffered significant mid-season player leakage, similar to that which has occurred in a number of previous seasons, and the cards left to play by manager, Brian O’Sullivan, have reduced sizeably as a result. It was Athlone who dominated mostly from then on and Wexford keeper, Tom Murphy, did well to grab a low shot by Athlone on 17 minutes. The only goal of the game came a minute later when a low cross from the right was struck home by Athlone’s Jack Reynolds for 1-0 to the away side. Wexford’s Jack Doherty then picked up a yellow and two more quickly followed for two Athlone players as Wexford tried to press for the equaliser. The Wexford defence then did really well to scramble the ball away right on their goal-line as an Athlone second looked inevitable. The nearest Wexford came to getting the equaliser came with six minutes to go when Hill-Benrouguibi had a header acrobatically pushed away by Myles in the Athlone goal. Late Wexford sub was Ciaran Murphy who looked lively during the course of his game-time. So, 1-0 to Athlone at full-time and, unless Wexford can somehow find a dramatic change of form, they’re probably consigned to bottom place in the league with a need for team rebuilding and strengthening for the coming new season.

[Martinho II]

How is Jack Doherty playing for ye Forza hes a huge loss to us imo. Any chance we can get him back pls?

[ForzaForth]

Marty

Jack is a real quality player and is great to watch. Unfortunately due to injuries and departures, the Wexford players to support him on the pitch have dwindled away to a substantial extent. I'd be hoping that we can keep him next year as well.