WDSL U16 PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH REPORT

WICKLOW ROVERS vs

GLENCORMAC UNITED

Super-sub Seán Manning came off the bench to fire Wicklow to their first WDSL U16 Premier home win of the 2023 season.

Rovers led 1-0 at the break against Glencormac on Thursday evening at Whitegates.

But Manning came on to take - and scored a stunning free-kick – with his very first touch in the 58th minute to double that lead.

He also claimed the Green and White’s third moments later (although it could be an own goal) as the hosts went on to record a 6-0 victory with a powerful second half display.

Rovers had begun their campaign with a comprehensive away success over Avonmore FC back in March at Tullylusk.

But succumbed 1-0 at home to Arklow Town a few days later.

It was United's first league loss of the season. But 47 days had passed since they defeated Coolboy Rangers at the Coolboy Community Centre back in February.

The home team set the tone for the contest with Jack Neville shooting wide after just 11 seconds.

Away goalkeeper Tristan Hill made a series of saves before his opposite number at the other end Scott Elliott-Doyle was required to make a fine block to thwart Niall Magna on 18 minutes.

Wicklow’s James Dunne struck the post on 33 before they finally found the breakthrough four minutes later.

Conor Williams’ spread play wide right. Finn Dunne then slipped Neville in. He evaded Hill and blasted to the roof of the net from an acute angle from ten-yards.

Within moments, Neville was denied right on the line by Hill after good work by Williams. Seconds later, Williams’ 40-yard free-kick crashed back off the bar.

Having a strong list of substitutes always helps a side. That was the case for Rovers.

Manning came on for Neville 18 minutes into the second period. He took a free in the ‘D with his right footed effort going in off the right hand upright.

A minute later, he took a corner from the right. Jack Byrne’s header then shot was blocked. The ball rebounded back across to Manning who struck a half volley from just inside the box. Hill initially saved but the ball bobbled over the line.

The hosts finished with a late flurry. Released by Williams in the 72nd minute, sub Senan O’Donovan squared for Manning. He was denied his hat-trick by Hills’ reaction save. But fellow reserve Stephen Kavanagh converted the rebound close in.

Within four minutes, Manning helped on Elliott-Doyle’s long punt. Alfie Doyle’s pace took him clear of the United defence off the right flank to flash a brilliant rising finish in the far corner of the net.

Then in the last minute of normal time., Williams again set O’Donovan free off the left wing. And his low centre was turned into the net by a Glens player.

WICKLOW ROVERS: Scott Elliott-Doyle; Alfie Doyle, Mason McGovern, Jack Byrne, Chris Smit; Finn Dunne, Conor Williams, Joe Culleton, James Dunne; Arthur Curran, Jack Neville

SUBS: Seán Manning, Senan O’Donovan, Joe Kenny, Arran Czwalina, Jack Lambe, Stephen Kavanagh.

GLENCORMAC UNITED: Tristan Hill; Cian Reddin, Oisin Shortt, Rueben Wainright-Smith; Owen Bunce, Luke Honan, Alex Condon, Luke Kelly, Adam McGrath; Ryan O’Brien, Alex Magna.

SUBS: Rory Williams, Daniel Lawlor, Sean Prendergast, Conor Haines, Toby Wainright-Smith, Tony Prendergast.

REFEREE: Joe Hillman.

Report by Paul Dowling