Enniscorthy's first choice eleven had to dig deep, but in the end earned three vital points to maintain their quest for division 5 honours against Avoca at Newpark School in Dublin on Sunday.
Avoca's performance from the off belied their position as a mid table side. Some assured midfield play had the Wexford men under pressure for much of the first half, though Graham Hill's well-marshalled defence ensured circle penetrations were few. With the action largely confined between the two 21 metre lines, attempts on target were at a premium.
It was the hosts, though, who broke the deadlock on the 20 minute mark. Avoca's captain Marcus Pearson surged into the top of the semicircle, jinked around a couple of defenders, and shot confidently past his counterpart Hill. It was a well - deserved goal for their domination of possession, and Enniscorthy looked in trouble.
The cathedral town side faced a major test, and they answered with tremendous grit and character. The equalising goal came at a fortunate time, five minutes before the break when Cian Hogan met a crossing ball at the back post for the easiest of opportunities.
Whatever was said at half time - Donal Doyle being under no illusions about what was required of his charges - did the trick. Players stood up all over the pitch: Glenn Chapman combining well with brother Roy in midfield, Cian Hogan running strongly on only his second appearance at this level, and Pearse Rogan causing plenty of mischief up front.
Indeed it was Hogan who got Enniscorthy ahead midway through the second half, Enniscorthy managing to turn the tide at midfield. Further opportunities presented themselves with a flurry of penalty corners for the visitors but the Dublin side held firm.
With the clock winding down, Avoca threw caution to the wind and took off their goalkeeper in search of an equaliser. Instead it was Roy Chapman who goaled to secure all three points and a 3-1 win with two minutes remaining.
Next up for Enniscorthy is a difficult derby game - and top of the table clash - against Wicklow at East Glendalough School on Saturday.
Enniscorthy Squad: Graham Hill; Clive Rothwell; David Simmons; Martyn Vietch; Ivan Rothwell; Andrew Rothwell; Glenn Chapman; Roy Chapman; Cory Cooke; Edmundas Liukimas; William Durnan; Jason Rothwell; Pearse Rogan; Cian Hogan. Coach: Donal Doyle. Manager: Fraser Rothwell.
Avoca's performance from the off belied their position as a mid table side. Some assured midfield play had the Wexford men under pressure for much of the first half, though Graham Hill's well-marshalled defence ensured circle penetrations were few. With the action largely confined between the two 21 metre lines, attempts on target were at a premium.
It was the hosts, though, who broke the deadlock on the 20 minute mark. Avoca's captain Marcus Pearson surged into the top of the semicircle, jinked around a couple of defenders, and shot confidently past his counterpart Hill. It was a well - deserved goal for their domination of possession, and Enniscorthy looked in trouble.
The cathedral town side faced a major test, and they answered with tremendous grit and character. The equalising goal came at a fortunate time, five minutes before the break when Cian Hogan met a crossing ball at the back post for the easiest of opportunities.
Whatever was said at half time - Donal Doyle being under no illusions about what was required of his charges - did the trick. Players stood up all over the pitch: Glenn Chapman combining well with brother Roy in midfield, Cian Hogan running strongly on only his second appearance at this level, and Pearse Rogan causing plenty of mischief up front.
Indeed it was Hogan who got Enniscorthy ahead midway through the second half, Enniscorthy managing to turn the tide at midfield. Further opportunities presented themselves with a flurry of penalty corners for the visitors but the Dublin side held firm.
With the clock winding down, Avoca threw caution to the wind and took off their goalkeeper in search of an equaliser. Instead it was Roy Chapman who goaled to secure all three points and a 3-1 win with two minutes remaining.
Next up for Enniscorthy is a difficult derby game - and top of the table clash - against Wicklow at East Glendalough School on Saturday.
Enniscorthy Squad: Graham Hill; Clive Rothwell; David Simmons; Martyn Vietch; Ivan Rothwell; Andrew Rothwell; Glenn Chapman; Roy Chapman; Cory Cooke; Edmundas Liukimas; William Durnan; Jason Rothwell; Pearse Rogan; Cian Hogan. Coach: Donal Doyle. Manager: Fraser Rothwell.
