2016 looks set to be an exciting one for Wexford soccer

March 4^th will be a historic occasion for Wexford Youths AFC when they host Longford Town in their first ever game in the top division of the SSE Airtricity League.

The general consensus of opinion is that the team of amateurs will find it difficult at the top level but after their performances in the first division last season, they men in Pink will be well capable of holding their own. Of course, games against double winners Dundalk, runners up Cork City and a strong looking Shamrock Rovers will always be difficult but points can be picked up against Finn Harps, Bray Wanderers, Sligo Rovers, Galway FC, as well as opening day opponents Longford Town. Enough points picked up in those games will see the Youths stay competitive and manager Shane Keegan will be looking for a safe mid table finish in their debut season in the top flight, a position that is well within their capabilities

http://www.sseairtricityleague.ie/news/6572-2016-premier-division-fixtures-released

Saturday night (January 2^nd) will see Wexford Youths Women continue their season with a home game against Castlebar Celtic, weather permitting of course. Wexford are of course the current holders of the league title, FAI Senior Cup holders, Shield finalists and have won both their league games played in what has been a very disrupted season with games off due to weather and Republic of Ireland senior internationals. The Youths women are the team to beat at present and manager Willie Doyle has the players prepared and focussed for what will be a busy second half of the season. Game kicks off at 7.30pm this Saturday in Ferrycarrig Park

Sunday January 10^th will see two Wexford teams in action in the sixth round of the FAI Junior Cup when Ferns United play hosts to Cork side Carrigaline United and North End United travel to Clontarf to take on Sheriff YC in the tie of the round. Both sides have negotiated some very tricky ties to get to the last 32 of one of the largest competitions of its kind in Europe.

A week later North End travel to the AUL to take on Rivervalley Rangers in the third round of the LFA Junior Cup while Gorey Rangers will be travelling to Mountmellick United in the fourth round while Ferns United will be awaiting the winners of Willow Park and Woodview Celtic

Caim United, Cushinstown and Rosslare Port are all still involved in the LFA Junior Shield which will be played towards the end of January while Wexford Youths and Cloughbawn are still involved in the LFA Youth Cup. Youths are also still involved in the FAI Youth Cup but the weather has been causing havoc with all these fixtures

In Schoolgirls cups, Cloughbawn are in the last 16 of the FAI Under Sixteen cup and quarter finals of the FAI Under Fourteen Cup where they will take on Lucan United and Shelbourne AFC respectively

At National level in Schoolboys, Wexford Albion are at home to Crumlin United in last 32 of the SFAI Under Twelve Cup. Forth Celtic, Gorey Rangers and North End United are all still in the SFAI Under Fourteen Cup and are all at home to Pike Rovers, Tullamore Town and Booth Road Celtic respectively

Wexford Womens and Schoolgirls League 17-05-2015

Wexford and District Womens and Schoolgirls League 17-05-2015

By Peter Doyle

Under Ten Cup Final

Curracloe United        0          Rosslare Rangers         1          aet

One of the best finals of the Schoolgirls final day in St Josephs on Saturday was the youngest age group which saw premier champions Curracloe United up against a very strong Rosslare Rangers side. In front of a very large and enthusiastic crowd, the under ten girls showed no nerves and produced an excellent final that shows the future of the game in the county is very strong. Some good goalkeeping and defending from both sides saw no goals in normal time and the game went to extra time where Rangers prolific goalscorer Bobbi Culleton scored the only goal of the game to give her side their first underage trophy. Despite Curracloe going close in the second half of extra time, Rangers held on with their captain Abigail Clarke collecting the player of the match trophy

Under Ten Division One Semi Final

New Ross Celtic are through to the league final when they proved too strong for Taghmon running out 7-2 winners on Saturday. Caoimhe Keher Murtagh (3), Casey Murphy (3) and Aoife Kielthy were on target for Celtic while Hannah Kehoe scored both Taghmon goals.

Under Ten Division Two A Semi Final

Tuesday evening saw Corach Ramblers travel to St Cormacs and book their place in the Division Two A final when they ran out 3-1 winners with Rachel Gaynor, Sarah Scallan and Sarah Murphy on target for Ramblers.

Under Ten Division Two B Semi Final

Bridge Rovers are through to the Division Two B final when they had to work very hard to overcome a much improved Cushinstown side on penalties. Cushinstown led 1-0 for a long period but Rovers levelled late in the game and eventually progressed on penalties. Adamstown will meet Ramblers in the final when they hosted St Josephs on Thursday evening and ran out 5-1 winners with Karlina Jaglarz on target for the winners

Under Twelve Cup Final

Ballindaggin    1          Courtown Hibs           1          aet

(Courtown Hibs won on penalties)

These two sides opened the days finals in St Josephs on Saturday and it took just twenty seconds for the first goal to be scored when Katie Bates struck to give Ballindaggin the lead. It was short lived as three minutes later, some good passing movement from midfield saw player of the match, Ella Maree score to bring Hibs level. The game built in intensity for the remaining thirty seven minutes of normal time with Orlaith Kehoe going close for Balindaggin and Amy Robertson almost scoring for Courtown. Both sides created chances in extra time but both goalkeepers, Emilia Fortune (Ballindaggin) and Jean Kavanagh Doyle (Courtown Hibs), were both in excellent form and conceded no further goals. The game then went to penalties where Hibs held their nerve to complete the league and cup double as they had also pipped Ballindaggin for the premier title

Under Twelve Division One

St Leonards celebrated the presentation of their league title when they travelled to New Ross Town on Saturday and ran out 7-0 winners with Tom “Flash” Dunne on hand to present the league winners with their trophy

Under Twelve Division Three Play Off

New Ross Celtic picked up their first league title when they overcame All Blacks Red in the Under Twelve Division Three play off last Monday evening in St Leonards. Celtic took control of the game early on and despite All Blacks best efforts, they were unable to prevent the New Ross girls from taking the title. Ellen O Connor, Aine McDonald and Caoimhe Keher Murtagh (2) scored the all important goals.

Under Fourteen Cup Final

Cloughbawn AFC       5          Tombrack United        0

Premier champions Cloughbawn went into this final as odds on favourites against division two runners up Tombrack United but despite enjoying plenty of possession, they found the young Tombrack side difficult to break down. Some good defending kept Cloughbawn at bay until just before half time with Katie O Toole in the Tombrack goal putting in an excellent performance. However just before half time, Emma Clarke was on hand to tap the ball to the net after Katie had made two point blank saves and it proved to be a critical goal at an important time. Tombrack did create chances in the second half but the Cloughbawn defence held firm and as the game wore on, Cloughbawn became more dominant and a second goal from Emma Clarke as well as goals from Brid Madigan, Anais Curran and Tara Doyle saw them complete the league and cup double. The winners Emma Clarke collected a well deserved player of the match award

Under Fourteen Premier Division Relegation Play Off

Bunclody and Kilmore United finished level on points in the table and had to meet for the third time in three weeks to decide who would be relegated. They met in Bridge Rovers ground on Wednesday evening and it was the Kilmore girls who came out on top 2-1 courtesy of goals from Kira Bates Crosbie and Sophie Boxwell. Maeve Sinnott was on target for Bunclody

Under Fourteen Division One

Gorey Rangers travelled to New Ross Town on Wednesday evening and kept their title ambitions alive with a 3-1 win.

Ger Dunne Under Sixteen Cup Final

Curracloe United        6          Bunclody AFC           2

These two premier sides produced a better game than the scoreline suggests and it was Curracloes clinical finishing that proved the deciding factor between the two sides. The game was evenly matched up until midway through the second half, two almost identical goals from Dearbhla Doyle in three minutes saw Curracloe take a 2-0 lead. Britney Conroy did pull one back for Bunclody just before the break but a strong second half performance from Curracloe saw them race into a 6-1 lead with goals from Siobhan Doolan, two from player of the match Jessie Harding and Dearbhla Doyle completing her hat trick. Britney Conroy scored a spectacular long range effort to pull one back for Bunclody but Curracloe held on to retain their cup and lift it for the fifth time in six years

Under Sixteen Division Two

The race for runners up spot in this division is down to just two when Gorey Rangers second team overcame Campile United and it is now between Rangers and Wexford Celtic for second place. Jade Lynch (2) and Ciara Hammett (2) were on target for Rangers in their 4-3 win while Kate Doyle (3) was on target for Campile

Under Eighteen Cup Final

Curracloe United        0          Killenagh Wanderers  0          aet

(Curracloe won on sudden death penalties)

Both these teams have produced some exciting hard fought encounters in recent seasons and this Under Eighteen Cup final in Moyne Rangers on Tuesday was no different. Both sides are very familiar with each other at this point and from an early stage in this match, it was obvious that chances were going to be at a minimum. Despite the lack of goals, the game was a closely contested battle although neither team were able to impose themselves on the game, eventually going to extra time and finally penalties where Curracloe held their nerve to become the first team to retain this particular cup. League committee member Tom “Flash” Dunne was on hand to present the cup to the winning captain with the winners Leanne Corrigan collecting the player of the match award

Gaynor Cup Semi Final

Rosslare Rangers         1          Cushinstown AFC      2

Cushinstown are through to a cup final meeting with St Cormacs after they travelled to Rosslare Rangers and came away 2-1 winners. Laura Doyle was on target for Rangers but goals from Amie Gaffney and Gemma Creane saw Cushinstown through

Womens Division Two B

Moyne Rangers           8          St Cormacs      0

League champions Moyne Rangers completed their season with a one hundred per cent record when they overcame St Cormacs with eight goals to spare. April Breen, Megan O Shea, Ciara Tobin (2) and Siobhan Grant Moorehead (4) were all on target for complete Moyne’s perfect season

Fixtures: Tuesday May 19^th: Under Ten Division Two B Semi Final

Seaview United v Rosslare Strand     7pm

Wednesday May 20^th: Under Ten Division One Semi Final

Gorey Rangers v Rosslare Rangers     6-45pm

Under Fourteen Division One

Gorey Rangers v North End United   6-30pm

Courtown Hibs v Campile United      7-30pm

Friday May 22^nd: Under Sixteen Division Two Runners Up Play Off

Gorey Rangers B v Wexford Celtic   6-30pm    in St Josephs

Sunday May 24^th: Gaynor Cup Final

Cushinstown AFC v St Cormacs        1pm     in Bunclody AFC

Womens Division Two B

Seaview United B v Rosslare Rangers           11am

Wexford Womens Soccer 09-05-2015

Wexford and District Womens and Schoolgirls League 09-05-2015

By Peter Doyle

Under Ten Division One Quarter Final

New Ross Celtic are one of the favourites to lift the Under Ten Division One title and they showed their pedigree on Monday evening when they outscored Cloughbawn 9-3 to book their place in the last four. Mary Kaylan completed an impressive season with a hat trick for the Clonroche girls but goals Caoimhe Keher Murtagh (5), Aoife Kielthy (2) and Casey Murphy (2)  saw Celtic through to the semi finals. Another of the favourites, Rosslare Rangers are also through to the semi final after they beat New Ross Town 4-0 on Saturday with Bobbi Culleton (3) and Tegan Fortune on target

Under Ten Division Two A Quarter Final

Corach Ramblers booked their place in the last four of Division Two A with a 3-2 win over All Blacks in a tightly contested encounter. Serena Reville (2) and Sarah Scallan scored the goals that put Ramblers through to a semi final meeting with St Cormacs. St Josephs will meet Adamstown in the semi final after they proved too strong for Seaview United Yellow on Thursday. Four goals from Sarah Walsh saw the Kilmuckridg side run out comfortable 4-0 winners.

Under Twelve Division One

Wexford Youths completed their season with a 5-0 away win in New Ross Town with Molly Geoghan (2), Molly Donohoe (2) and Grace Roche all on target for the Youths.

Under Fourteen Premier Division

Bunclody and Kilmore must play off to see who will be relegated after the two sides met on Wednesday with Bunclody coming out on top 4-3. Sophie Boxwell and Kira Bates Crosbie (2) were on target for Kilmore while Chloe Behan (2), Sonso Kessler and Maeve Sinnott on target for the home side.

Under Fourteen Division One

This division has been incredibly close all season and as we head into the final set of games, this situation continues after wins for Campile United and Courtown Hibs on Saturday. St Leonards could have wrapped up the title when they travelled to Campile but the home side kept their title hopes on track with a 3-0 win leaving their opponents top of the table but awaiting other results to see if they remain there. After a scoreless first half, a strong second half display from the home side with goals from Eadaoin Kent, Elena Kenny and Kathryn Dempsey gave them a vital victory. Courtown Hibs travelled to New Ross Town and also kept their title hopes intact with a 3-1 win courtest of goals from Ella Maree (2) and Gina Burke while Megan Flynn was on target for Town

Under Fourteen Division Two

Tombrack completed their season away to Wexford Youths and consolidated runners up spot in the division with a 6-0 win and they now can concentrate on preparing for next Saturdays cup final meeting with Cloughbawn. A first half hat trick from Shannon McGovern and second half goals from Lauren Byrne, Shauna McGovern and Leanne Kenny gave Tombrack the points

Under Sixteen Premier Division

Cup finalists Curracloe United consolidated runners up spot in the league on Tuesday when they overcame a young Bree side 13-0. Goals from Siobhan Doolan (6), Jessie Harding (3), Gemma Corrigan (2), Fiona Kinsella and Natasha Byrne saw the home side take all three points. Bree collected an easy three points on Saturday when New Ross Town conceded their scheduled league match due to lack of numbers. Kilmore made sure of their place in the premier division for next season when they travelled to Bunclody and collected all three points in a 5-0 win. Cora Miller (3), Amy Bates Crosbie and an own goal gave the visitors their insurance points

Under Sixteen Division Two

Wexford Celtic beat Arklow Town 2-0 on Saturday, a win that keeps their runners up ambitions alive and wrapped up the title for long time leaders Seaview United. Damsi Kotun and Kate Redmond Browne were on target for Celtic

MMI.ie Wexford Womens Cup Final

Benfica            3          Seaview United          0

Goals scored at three very important points of the game was the difference between these two very competitive sides and although Benfica were deserving of their win, the three goal margin flattered the Waterford side. A well struck shot from Lisa Dower just two minutes into the game gave Benfica the lead when she lifted the ball over keeper Emily Doyle’s outstretched arms and into the net. Seaview reacted well to this early blow and  practically dominated the next forty minutes as they launched attack after attack on the Benfica goal but found the experienced Benfica defence impossible to break down. Sheena Murphy, Eimear Mullan and Brid Kehoe all had chances but could not find the net and on the stroke of half time, Sharon Brown found herself with room in the penalty area and slotted the ball past the keeper. Seaview would have felt unfortunate to be 2-0 down but they must have thought the Gods were against them when three minutes into the second half, Mary Therese O Neill placed a well struck shot inside the post and increased that advantage to three. To their credit, Seaview never gave up and continued to press for at least a consolation goal but Benfica used all their experience to keep them at bay and Sheena Murphy’s shot rebounding off the post was as close as they came. It was Benfica’s experience over Seaview’s youthfulness that won saw the cup head across the bridge in New Ross for the sixth time with Lisa Dower, Brianne O Connor and player of the match Martina Cashin all playing very well while Brid Doyle, Kellie Mullan and Stephanie Foley all worked hard for a Seaview side who have a great future if that team remains together. League Chairman Daire Doyle presented the well-deserved winners with their cup to spark off a night of celebration in Waterford

Benfica FC: Clodagh McGrath, Martina Cashin, Zoe Power, Melissa Crowley, Sarah Wall, Lisa Dower, Brianne O Connor, Mary Therese O Neill, Leanne O Reilly, Sharon Brown, Tess Leahy, Beserta Ajeti, Audrey Maher, Jean Dooley, Ciara Ryan, Sinead Flynn.

Seaview United: Emily Doyle, Mairead O Shea, Fiona Rowe, Brid Doyle, Sinead Rowe, Aisling Mullan, Sheena Murphy, Maebh Kehoe, Eimear Mullan, Brid Kehoe, Stephanie Foley, Kellie Mullan, Sandra Foley, Cait Hayes

Referee: Andrew Nolan          Assistants: Pat Sinnott and Aaron O Neill

Gaynor Cup Semi Final

Ajax Athletic  0          St Cormacs      3

St Cormacs booked their place in the final of the Gaynor Cup when they overcame Ajax Athletic 3-0 in a game that never really lived up to expectations. Goals from Helen Cousins (2) and Kelly McLoughlin saw the Boolavogue side through to the final where they will meet the winners of Rosslare Rangers or Cushinstown AFC

Under Ten League Play Offs Draws

Division One

Gorey Rangers v Rosslare Rangers, New Ross Celtic v Taghmon United

Division Two A

St Cormacs v Corach Ramblers, Adamstown v St Josephs

Division Two B

Bridge Rovers v Cushinstown, Seaview United Blue v Rosslare Strand or St Leonards

Fixtures: Monday May 11^th: Under Twelve Division Three Play Off

All Blacks v New Ross Celtic            7pm (in St Leonards AFC)

Tuesday May 12^th: Under Eighteen Cup Final

Curracloe United v Killenagh Wanderers       5-30pm (in Moyne Rangers AFC)

Under Ten Division Two A Semi Final

St Cormacs v Corach Ramblers          7pm

Under Ten Division Two B Semi Final

Bridge Rovers v Cushinstown            7pm

Wednesday May 13^th: Under Fourteen Premier Relegation Play Off

Bunclody AFC v Kilmore United      7pm (venue to be confirmed)

Under Fourteen Division One

New Ross Town v Gorey Rangers

Thursday May 14^th: Under Ten Division Two A Semi Final

Adamstown v St Josephs        6-45pm

Saturday May 16^th: Under Fourteen Division One

Gorey Rangers v North End United

Under Sixteen Division Two

Gorey Rangers v Campile United

Schoolgirl Cup Finals

Venue: St Josephs FC, Kilmuckridge

12pm: Under Twelve Cup: Ballindaggin v Courtown Hibs

1-15pm: Under Fourteen Cup: Cloughbawn v Tombrack United

2pm: Under Ten Cup: Curracloe United v Rosslare Rangers

3-15pm: Under Sixteen Cup: Bunclody AFC v Curracloe United

Sunday May 17^th: Gaynor Cup Semi Final

Rosslare Rangers v Cushinstown        11am

Womens Division Two B

Moyne Rangers v St Cormacs            11am

Kevin Doyle move to Colorado Rapids before end of month

Irish striker Kevin Doyle will link up with the Colorado Rapids earlier than expected.

Wolverhampton Wanderers' failure to reach the Championship playoffs means Republic of Ireland international Kevin Doyle will join the Colorado Rapids as a designated player by the end of May.

Doyle was set to move to Colorado once his contract expired in July, but the 31-year-old's switch to the Rapids will happen earlier than anticipated after agreeing to an early release from Wolves, who finished outside the playoff places on goal difference.

"We always thought this might be a possibility if Wolves did not achieve their target of promotion," said Rapids technical director Paul Bravo on Wednesday. "We know he is a proven goal scorer at a high level. We are confident he will not only help our younger players in their progression but also add to the group.

"We'd like to thank Wolves for their cooperation throughout this process and we wish them the best of luck next season. Meanwhile, we look forward to welcoming Kevin to our club later this month."

The Rapids, who host the San Jose Earthquakes on Friday, are last in the Western Conference with just one win from nine matches.

Womens League Season Review to date

Wexford and District Womens League

 Mid Season Review 2013-14

By Peter Doyle

 

As we take a brief break over Christmas and the new year, we take the opportunity to take a look at the state of play in all the divisions, who looks favourite to win a title, get promoted or relegated. Some divisions look very straight forward while others are difficult to call at this stage and no doubt, there will always be a team that will make a late run to put themselves into a challenging position

 

Womens Premier League

After winning all seven of their seven played so far, title holders Ferns United, look well in control in the top women’s division and it would be difficult not to see them retain their title. To make it better, all the chasing teams are taking points off each other and the leaders are currently six points clear of second placed North End with the added advantage of a game in hand. The chase for second place is extremely close with four teams all battling for that runners up spot with a much improved North End side currently sitting in that second place, one point ahead of Adamstown, another side showing much improved form this season. Both sides have been boosted by the return of Wexford Youths players to their squads with Alysha Cullen signing for the Wexford town side while Nikki Dunphy has returned to Adamstown. The two Waterford sides are next in the table with Tramore currently fourth and Benfica fifth, both showing inconsistent form and definitely not the forces they were in recent seasons. Tramore have surprisingly played a couple of games with just ten players, which is very unusual for a team that were extremely strong at underage level and have been one of the more powerful teams in this division in recent seasons. Benfica are in rebuilding mode after losing several players to Wexford Youths and while they lost their dominance in the league by losing some key players, they did enough to consolidate their place in the top flight and are currently doing enough to stay out of danger.

Cloughbawn are currently bottom of the table with just one win from nine games played so far but ironically apart from a heavy 8-0 defeat away to Ferns, they have competed well in the remaining games, scoring an incredible 24 goals but conceding an unenviable 41 goals. Obviously if they could stop conceding goals, they would be good enough to stay in the top division but unfortunately games are beginning to run out on them as they have only five left to play and would need to win at least three to give themselves a chance. The other relegation spot is between Coolgreaney Celtic and Seaview United, both of whom are difficult to beat at home but their away form lets them down. Both of them have recorded all their points at home and neither have picked up a point away from home while both have beaten title challengers Tramore. Both sides are good enough to take points of several of the teams ahead of them but their away form is what creates problems for both and it will all depend which of them can rectify that issue and that will ultimately decide who will go down…..if not both if Cloughbawn can put together a run of results.

This division will also be made more interesting this season by the introduction of a Premier Shield competition for the six teams who finish outside the top two.

 

Predicted Winner: Ferns United

Runner Up: Adamstown

Relegated: Cloughbawn and Coolgreaney Celtic

 

Womens Division One

Of all the divisions in the adult league, this is the toughest one to predict a winner with five teams probably feeling they have a chance of lifting the title or at least gaining promotion to the premier division. Killenagh are the form team and currently lead the way after winning their last seven games, just losing their opening game of the season to St Josephs and going unbeaten ever since while recording some very big wins along the way. Kilmore United currently lie second, three points behind the leaders and are still well in contention as they have Killenagh at home in the new year and a win would put them back on level terms. Both teams started the season as favourites and while they have lived up that tag, they are probably not walking away with the division in the manner predicted. New Ross Town continue their impressive surge up the league after winning the two lower divisions in the past two seasons and currently sit third in the table. Glen Celtic have hauled themselves into fourth place after an iffy start to the season, where at one point it looked like they would not be even able to field a team. St Josephs have the pleasurable record of having beaten both Killenagh and Kilmore but their inability to field a consistent starting eleven has saw them drop points in matches they would have expected to win. All five of these teams are well in contention for at least promotion and this division could go all the way to the end before a winner is decided

Courtown Hibs currently sit bottom of the table and look destined to drop back to Division Two as they have just the one point from their nine games played and need a surge in form to pull them out of trouble. Cloughbawn second team are also in trouble, having only one win and a draw from their season to date but they do have the advantage of a couple of games in hand which could turn out to be very important in their quest to avoid relegation. Corach Ramblers showed that they are capable of competing at this level when they travelled to St Josephs just before Christmas and won 3-2, a win that gives them a realistic chance of avoiding the drop

 

Predicted Winner: Killenagh Wanderers

Promoted: Kilmore United

Relegation: Courtown Hibs and Cloughbawn “B”

 

Womens Division Two A

Unbeaten Castledockrell United are the favourites to take the title in Division Two A as they continue on an unbeaten run that now extends over eighteen months. In fact up until the last game before the break, they had not even been held to a draw in that time but Forth Celtic came to Newpark in December and came away with a well earned point. Despite this minor setback, it is difficult to see anyone catch Castledockrell and are odds on favourites to be the first title winners of the season. Taghmon United are currently in second place and are there on merit as they have produced some great performances in the first half of the season. Shilelagh United have raced up the table after a shaky start and currently sit third with sufficient games in hand to move second if they win but they have some tough games ahead in the form of home games against the top two. Camolin would also consider themselves to be well in contention for promotion as they sit fourth with some big games to come. Pre season favourites Bunclody started the season well but will be disappointed with recent results and have fallen out of contention and will need to string a run of results together in the new year to get back in contention for promotion

At the other end of the table, Rosslare Rangers will be disappointed with their season to date as they strive to pick up their first point while Forth Celtic will be looking to build on their performance in Castledockrell in their effort to pull away from the relegation zone. Tombrack United are putting in a good effort to keep out of trouble and are sitting just above the bottom two but if they can keep their young squad injury free, they should stay out of danger.

 

Predicted Winner: Castledockrell United

Runner Up: Shilelagh United

Relegated: Rosslare Rangers and Forth Celtic

 

Womens Division Two B

This division is now effectively a three horse race with Bree United leading the way from St Leonards with Rosslare Strand still in the hunt as the division heads towards a conclusion with a champion most likely crowned by mid February. Bree have only lost once this season when they went down one nil at home to Moyne Rangers but other than that defeat, they have won all of the other games they have played, including home wins over St Leonards and Rosslare Strand. St Leonards sit only two points behind the leaders but have Bree at home in the run in and will feel they have a chance of lifting the title in their first season as an adult team. Rosslare Strand are six points behind the leaders but have both top teams at home and if Strand were to win both, and other results go their way, they could still find themselves as serious title challengers. The other four teams in the division are out of the title race but all have their own objectives and all are capable of pulling off shock results against the higher placed teams and anyone of them could have an impact on where the title eventually ends up. Moyne Rangers have already shown what their capable of while Cushinstown have put in some good performances but did not get the break against the top three while Fastnet Rovers have shown the biggest improvement in form in recent weeks. Crossabeg are still looking for their first point but as a few teams have found out in recent seasons, they are always capable of picking up a shock result along the way

This division will also have an extra cup this season with the return of the Gaynor Cup, a competition for teams in the lower section of the division and details of this competition will be announced in the coming weeks

 

Predicted Winner: Bree United

Runner Up: St Leonards

 

Where are they now ??

Wexford Youth Women First Squad: Where are they now ?

By Peter Doyle

Even though the Bus Eireann Womens National League is only in its third season, the turnover of players has been quite high and in this article we take a look at the squad which competed in season one

Charlotte McCormack: The young goalkeeper had a great first season with the club and was very crucial in getting the team to their fourth place finish. Charlotte was arguably the best keeper in the country never to get a cap with the Republic of Ireland underage squads despite going very close on several occasions. She won several honours with Curracloe United at schoolgirl level before signing for Wexford Youths and after that first season she moved to the USA where she studies in Clayton State University on scholarship and is playing in goal for the university's Lakers team

Celine Slye: This experienced player had already enjoyed a very successful career in the Wexford Womens League as she won several cups and league titles with Bunclody AFC before Wexford Youths were formed. She put in a very committed first season, proving to be one of the squads more dedicated squad members but at the end of the season she returned to Bunclody AFC where she is currently enjoying a successful reboot to her career after having a baby

Clare "Bosco" Conlon: Bosco is still with the team and probably possesses one of the best left foot strikes in the league. One of several players who signed from Benfica in that first season, she quickly established herself at leftback and became almost an ever present in the starting eleven. She has picked up a few injuries in her national league career but generally has shown herself to be a tough uncompromising defender and a very competitive player

Ciara O Brien: Even at the young age of 19 when she signed for Wexford, Ciara had already played in an Under 17 Euro final and was one of the squad that reached the quarter finals of the Under 17 World Cup. An ex Tramore player, she had also won several honours in the Wexford league at both adult and schoolgirl level before signing for the Youths. She was another player who moved to the US to further her education and moved to Missouri where she signed for Drury Panthers

Jessica Gleeson: Another player who had enjoyed a very successful underage international career and a member of the squad that qualified for the quarter finals of the Under 17 World Cup. She is still a member of the Youth squad and only for an occasional injury, has played in almost every game since signing. She won several underage and adult medals with Tramore and last summer travelled to Russia with the Irish Colleges team to the World University games and last Summer was called into the Republic of Ireland senior squad for the Cyprus Cup

Laura Heffernan: Laura was one of the first players from Wexford to play in the Gaynor Cup when she played for Leinster in 2002 and ever since she has been to the forefront of any league representative squad. She has played with Wexford Celtic, North End United and Curracloe United in the league and is one of the most hard working players within the county. Her first two seasons with Wexford Youths saw her only make appearances as a sub but this season she has played regularly at centre back. She also manages Wexford Youths Under 10 and Under 12 teams and looks to be heading towards a successful career in coaching

Linda Douglas: Another of the Benfica players who signed for Wexford that first season and was the only player in the league to play every minute of every game  in that first campaign and has only missed a minimal number of games since. A speedy right winger who has scored some vital goals and set up many more and if she continues to remain injury free, she could have a long career in the league

Edel Kennedy: Signed from Shilelagh United, Edel is the fairytale story of the club, and possibly the league, as she made the meteoric rise from division two soccer in the Wexford league to compete at the highest level in the country. A very strong hard working midfielder, she leads by example and works tirelessly in every game and has now turned her hand to scoring vital goals and is one of the leading scorers in the league as we publish this article.

Rianna Jarrett: Arguably the most well known player in womens soccer in Wexford, Rianna is another of the squad who participated in the Euro Under 17 final and reached the World Cup quarter finals. She had an injury hit first season but came into her own in the second season and was scoring goals at will until a cruciate ligament injury while playing against Italy brought her to a sudden stop, an injury that still keeps her sidelined until early 2014. A former North End and Curracloe United player, she has enjoyed massive success in the Wexford league at both underage and adult level and her return to the Youths squad is eagerly awaited

Kylie Murphy: The captain of the side, Kylie made a return to the game after a four year absence to sign for Wexford Youths. A former Republic of Ireland Under 17 international she started her career with Braun before moving to Parkville United, both Carlow sides having played in the Wexford league. She has shown herself to be an inspirational and popular captain and was unfortunate to pick up an injury in the opening match of this season but is now back in the team and leading by example

Rachel Hutchinson: Another of the Waterford players who joined from Benfica, Rachel is still with the club and while she cannot pin down a starting spot, she makes several appearances as a sub and is always capable of making an impact. Had to work hard this season to shake off a niggly injury but has worked her way back into the match day squad and recently scored a great goal against Castlebar Celtic

Tara Moloney: A player with a long pedigree in Wexford soccer, she signed for the club in the first season but left after a couple of months to return to Curracloe United where she had played all her career and also to concentrate on her county GAA career. A player who had enjoyed great success at league level, beginning her career with Curracloe in goal and winner of several medals in cup and league. Is currently not playing soccer with any club

Brianne O Connor: Another of the ex Benfica players who only played a minimal number of games before giving up to concentrate on her studies. A prolific goalscorer who is now back playing with Benfica and once again scoring goals

Lisa Dower: Another player who left after a few months to pursue her college career and returned to play for Benfica. She is now a qualified coach and works with Waterford Under Sixteen development squad

Nikki Dunphy: A history making player as she was the first to be sent off in the league for a professional foul in the second game of the first season away to Peamount United. She also made enough of an impression to be named in the first league team of the season and early into the second season she took time out to have a baby and when she returned, she decided to leave and return to Adamstown where she is currently making a great impression

Tracey Nolan: The ex St Cormacs player was plaqued by injury and found it difficult to break into the team and decided at the Christmas transfer window to leave to concentrate on club soccer and her county camogie career. Her experience made a massive difference when she signed for North End and is currently a member of their premier side. Tracey played her earlier soccer with her local team Bunclody AFC

Amy Devereux: Being the second goalkeeper was always going to be tough but Amy stuck to the task well for the first season and made a couple of appearances for the first team. She did not return for the second season and signed for newly formed DLR Waves where she also made a couple of appearances and the ex Arklow player now plays for top Dublin side St Catherines

Sadie Murphy: One of the top players in the Wexford league, Sadie enjoyed a season and a half in the National League before emigrating to Australia. The ex Fethard Rangers / Duncannon / Seaview player scored the winning goal when Wexford shocked Peamount in the opening season and also left the league with a bang when she scored a goal and also got sent off in her final league game at home to Shamrock Rovers

Fiona Bennett: Fiona will go down in the history books for scoring the first goal for Wexford in their opening day 2-2 draw with Castlebar Celtic. However, a sports related illness made life difficult for her at this level and she eventually had to withdraw from the squad mid way through that first season. She played her underage soccer with Fastnet Rovers and then Curracloe United and now plays with North End United womens team

Aleisha Cullen: The ex Curracloe schoolgirl played the first two seasons with the National League club but injury prevented her from ensuring a starting place on the team and she was reduced to runs as a sub. This season she moved to North End United where she is enjoying a good season and showing the form that brought her to the attention of Wexford Youths in the first place

Keeley Claydon: The very experienced Kelley Claydon signed to Wexford from Benfica where she had enjoyed a successful previous few seasons. Before that she had played with various versions of the New Ross teams as well as an earlier stint with Campile United. She is currently coaching some of the underage boys teams in her original club New Ross Celtic

Trish Cleary: The ex Ferrybank player showed herself to be a very tough uncompromising defender who played the first half of the first season before leaving the club for work reasons. In her time with the club she proved herself to be very committed and helped tighten up the defence in the early games

Beserta Ajeti: Another ex Benfica player, Beserta showed great promise when signing for the club but injury kept her out of the starting line up. A serious ankle injury effectively put paid to her chances and she made just a handful of appearances in her time as a signed player. However Beserta works very hard behind the scenes in the club and is usually found on match days recording the matches from the gantry overlooking the pitch in Ferrycarrig Park

Vanessa Austin: The Tipperary girl signed at the start of the season but made no appearances as travel commitments made it difficult to train and eventually left the club after a few months

Maria Delahunty: The ex Benfica player signed shortly into the first season and has proved herself to be a very important player in the team and is renowned in the league for her inswinging corners and free kicks and is a midfielder capable of scoring from anywhere on the pitch

Cherlle Khassal: Cherelle signed to the club at Christmas in season one and immediately made an impact, picking up a National League player of the month award and was nominated for young player of the year. She arrived in Wexford from US College soccer but had previously played for Benfica in the Wexford league and now is enjoying a career with Brighton and Hove Albion in the second tier of the English league. She was also capped twice for the Republic of Ireland senior team when signed as a player with the Youths Women

Katie White: This young Adamstown player was one of the hottest prospects within the Wexford schoolgirls league and had a promising career ahead of her when signing for Wexford Youths that first season. However a knee injury kept her out of the squad and after persevering she returned to Adamstown at the beginning of this season

Copyright of BricBrac Publications 7th December 2013