It was a second-half horror show for Enniscorthy's first-choice eleven on Saturday as they conceded five without reply against Clontarf, severely denting their title hopes on the same day rivals Wicklow thrashed Avoca 8-0.
Despite the scoreline at the finish, the opening half was a rather even affair. Chances for both sides were at a premium, with most of the action between the two 23 metre lines. Pearse Rogan had perhaps Enniscorthy's best chance of the match at the half hour mark when denied by some excellent goalkeeping by Clontarf's Kevin Warren. Jason Rothwell worked his way down the left and his cross found Rogan, who discovered himself to be- all too briefly- in a one on one situation with Warren, who was able to scramble the ball clear.
The sides were deadlocked at the break, but the healthy attendance had little idea of what was to follow. Four minutes into the second half the visitors had the lead, and doubled their lead on 46 minutes. Pearse Rogan- Enniscorthy's prime attacking threat on the day- almost pulled one back on 50 minutes when a spectacular reverse stick effort went over the bar.
And then the collapse came. Over the next twelve minutes Enniscorthy's creaking defence leaked three goals- one from the game's solitary penalty corner on 60 minutes, converted by Andrew Poynter- wiping out all hopes of a comeback. With just minutes to go Roy Chapman forced another quality save from Warren but by then the only matter at issue was Enniscorthy's goal difference. The Wexford men travel to UCD for a 1.30pm tip off next Saturday needing a favour from Clontarf, who take on Wicklow on what will be a nail-biting day for supporters of two sides an hour apart on the N11.
Enniscorthy Squad: Graham Hill; Clive Rothwell; David Simmons; Martyn Vietch; Ivan Rothwell; Andrew Rothwell; Glenn Chapman; Roy Chapman; Cory Cooke; William Durnan; Daithi Medcalf; Jason Rothwell; Edmundas Liukimas; Pearse Rogan. Coach: Donal Doyle. Manager: Fraser Rothwell.
Despite the scoreline at the finish, the opening half was a rather even affair. Chances for both sides were at a premium, with most of the action between the two 23 metre lines. Pearse Rogan had perhaps Enniscorthy's best chance of the match at the half hour mark when denied by some excellent goalkeeping by Clontarf's Kevin Warren. Jason Rothwell worked his way down the left and his cross found Rogan, who discovered himself to be- all too briefly- in a one on one situation with Warren, who was able to scramble the ball clear.
The sides were deadlocked at the break, but the healthy attendance had little idea of what was to follow. Four minutes into the second half the visitors had the lead, and doubled their lead on 46 minutes. Pearse Rogan- Enniscorthy's prime attacking threat on the day- almost pulled one back on 50 minutes when a spectacular reverse stick effort went over the bar.
And then the collapse came. Over the next twelve minutes Enniscorthy's creaking defence leaked three goals- one from the game's solitary penalty corner on 60 minutes, converted by Andrew Poynter- wiping out all hopes of a comeback. With just minutes to go Roy Chapman forced another quality save from Warren but by then the only matter at issue was Enniscorthy's goal difference. The Wexford men travel to UCD for a 1.30pm tip off next Saturday needing a favour from Clontarf, who take on Wicklow on what will be a nail-biting day for supporters of two sides an hour apart on the N11.
Enniscorthy Squad: Graham Hill; Clive Rothwell; David Simmons; Martyn Vietch; Ivan Rothwell; Andrew Rothwell; Glenn Chapman; Roy Chapman; Cory Cooke; William Durnan; Daithi Medcalf; Jason Rothwell; Edmundas Liukimas; Pearse Rogan. Coach: Donal Doyle. Manager: Fraser Rothwell.
