- Peter Doyle
- Sun, Feb 19 2012
A goal in each half saw Wexford Youths finally collect their first home win of the season as they overcame a Castlebar Celtic side who were still reeling from their heavy defeat away to Peamount last Sunday. The most suprising selection in the visitors line up saw usual outfield player Rachel King take over in goal and was called into action early in the game when pushing a Maria Delahunty header over the crossbar after just five minutes.
Just minutes before, the visitors defender Avril Kilkelly had to be sharp to deny Sadie Murphy a chance as she raced onto a Kylie Murphy through ball and Kilkelly did well to clear for a throw in. It was obvious that Wexford were eager to build on last weeks draw in Raheny as they took the game to the Mayo side from the opening whistle.
Castlebar did attempt to impose themselves on the game but for the opening half hour they were restricted to long range chances and two Avril Kilkelly free kicks, both of which were off target. The home side were enjoying the lions share of the possession but were doing little to trouble Castlebar with stand in keeper King dealing competently with anything that was thrown at her
The breakthrough came on thirty nine minutes when an excellent solo run by Maria Delahunty saw her get into the area and while her effort was cleared, Edel Kennedy was on the edge of the box and sent an unstoppable shot to the roof of the net for a deserved one goal lead. Sadie Murphy was growing in confidence down the left wing and just on the break, her pin point accurate cross was met by a Kylie Murphy header which just cleared the crossbar
Castlebar started the second half sharper and almost got their reward when Emma Hansberry broke through and it took good defending from an inspired Nikki Dunphy to prevent an equaliser. Avril Kilkelly swung in a dangerous corner which was eventually cleared by the home defence and from the break, Cherelle Khassal brought a great save from King in the visitors goal.
After weathering the storm, Wexford resumed their dominance that they ended the first half with and midfield took control with Clare Conlon sending a long range shot over the crossbar while Edel Kennedy went close but no strength in her shot saw the keeper gather easily.
Twelve minutes to go, saw Wexford make sure of the points when Maria Delahunty rounded off a player of the match display with a well taken goal that put the home side out of reach. The home side did not allow the Mayo side any hint of a hope with Jessica Gleeson in the centre of defence dominating before eventually being replaced by Alysha Cullen with seven minutes to go.
The Youths women were full value for their victory and are beginning to show maturity in their style of play while Castlebar must be commended for picking themselves up after last weeks mauling. Keeper Rachel King and defenders Jenny Byrne and Avril Kilkelly were excellent for the Mayo women while Jessica Gleeson, Sadie Murphy and Clare Conlon all excelled in an overall strong Wexford performance
Wexford Youth Women: Charlotte McCormack, Ciara O Brien, Jessica Gleeson (Alysha Cullen), Nicola Dunphy, Clare Conlon, Linda Douglas, Kylie Murphy, Edel Kennedy (Karina Kelly), Sadie Murphy, Maria Delahunty, Cherelle Khassal (Rianna Jarrett)
Castlebar Celtic: Rachel King, Theresa Fahy, Avril Kilkelly, Jenny Byrne, Maria Harrington, Lauren Boles, Shaunagh Jackson, Amber Lynch, Emma Mullin, Emma Hansberry, Susie Cunningham, Nicole Redmond, Carol Hegarty, Ciara Carroll, Amy Hopkins
Referee: Michelle O Neill
Assistants: Mark Hogan and Darren Ennis
Attendance: 140
