Both teams started the strong as they went in search of the opening goal. In the early stages Clontarf were awarded multiple short corners as Enniscorthy had to defend hard to keep their goal clear. No matter how hard Clontarf tried they were unable to score, thanks to short corner defenders Ivan Rothwell, Nick Peare, PJ Pierce and Mick Jordan along with goalkeeper Luke Doyle. The away team were awarded a short corner of their own after 15 minutes where they made no mistake as Daithi Medcalf found the back board of the home teams goal. Ivan Rothwell did well to put the Clontarf defenders off as he sent them running early, resulting in them breaking the line and thus being a man down for the short corner, this aided Medcalf in scoring as he had extra space to manoeuvre the ball past the remaining defenders. Shortly after the Dublin side answered with a goal of their own. Enniscorthy went in search of their second goal before half time but unfortunately were unable to succeed. Clontarf however, scored their second gaol before half time came, 2 goals to 1 in Clontarf’s favour as the whistle blew.
The half time talk from the senior players in the southeast teams squad was positive as Enniscorthy were playing well and were still capable of taking all three points from the game. In the second half strong play from Enniscorthy midfields Alan Smith, Daithi Medcalf and Andrew Rothwell saw Enniscorthy push up the pitch and put the Clontarf defence under pressure. Enniscorthy went on to score 2 goals before the final whistle. Centre forward Robbie Walshe and midfielder Alan Smith were the travelling teams scorers. Clontarf however, like to first half, out scored Enniscorthy by a goal and bagged themselves three goals in the second half, two of which were goals from penalty flicks awarded against the visitors. Enniscorthy two goals down going into the last ten minutes still had time to salvage a point but the efforts of all squad members was to no avail as Clontarf stayed strong and held on to their two goal lead.
Enniscorthy can be proud of their performance and may fell hard done by as their performance may have deserved a share of points but the unpredictability is after all why we love sport. Next up for the boys is St Brendan’s Phoenix Park who they play in Enniscorthy this coming Saturday.
Enniscorthy Squad: Luke Doyle; Ivan Rothwell; PJ Pierce; Mick Jordan; Nick Peare; Andrew Rothwell; Alan Smith; Daithi Medcalf; Eamon Sweeney; Robbie Walshe; William Durnan; Rory Maguire; Jack Redmond; David Mulligan.