Rory Maguire struck twice and brother Niall added one of his own as Enniscorthy's men handed out a 6-1 drubbing to division 8 rivals Dublin University IV at Grange Road on Sunday.
Fraser Rothwell's side were without a competitive match since early December, and travelled to Three Rock Rovers' pitch in determined mood. Though missing Edmundas Liukimas, Keith Ogilvie, and Robbie Walshe, Enniscorthy fielded as strong starting eleven; Ó Suilleabháin acted as sweeper and Jason Rothwell added his experience and pace to the attack.
The visiting side made a solid start, passing the ball purposefully around midfield but finding it difficult to work their way through a packed Trinity defence. The students were dangerous on the break and Enniscorthy had to scramble quickly to halt the onrushing Trinity men. Despite their difficulties, an Enniscorthy goal looked increasingly likely. Cathal Ó Suilleabháin provided the opener midway through the half and supporters of the Wexford side expected a flurry of goals would follow. However, falling behind seemed to spur the students on and they responded following one of their trademark fast moves from central midfield. Enniscorthy's performance had noticeably slipped, and the equaliser had clearly rattled the visitors.
The half time break was badly needed as Fraser Rothwell's men had lost their cohesion and, just perhaps, some self- doubt had begun to creep in to their performance. A personnel shuffle saw Jason Rothwell move to his customary right hand side. Enniscorthy had one half remaining to maintain their position at the top of the league, and responded ruthlessly. Roy Chapman- who received a hard blow on the head from the ball in the first half- regained the lead with a ferocious shot, and Enniscorthy began to turn the screw. As a depleted Trinity side began to tire, the Slaneysiders became increasingly adventurous in attack, pressing higher up the pitch. Enniscorthy's attack was finding gaps in their opponents defence and St. Clair- Johnson and Jason Rothwell made numerous threatening runs into the Student's semi- circle. Good interplay between McAllister and Niall Maguire lead to Enniscorthy's third, and further scores seemed inevitable. Still, Trinity proved dangerous on the break and tough tackling from Casey, Clive Rothwell and Costello kept the Students at bay. Hill was also forced into a number of saves; to their credit, the Enniscorthy defence denied Trinity even a solitary short corner. Jason Rothwell secured the victory with goal number four, while a brace from Rory Maguire added a gloss to the scoreline.
Enniscorthy remain top of the league, and a healthy goal difference should prove beneficial in the weeks ahead. Despite the 6-1 scoreline, the Slaneysiders know that greater consistency is required.
Squad: Graham Hill; Andrew Rothwell; Clive Rothwell; Cathal Ó Suilleabháin; Kieran Costello; Jonathon Rothwell; Glenn Chapman; Roy Chapman; Niall Maguire; Chris St. Clair- Johnson; Seamus McAllister; John Casey; Rory Maguire.
Fraser Rothwell's side were without a competitive match since early December, and travelled to Three Rock Rovers' pitch in determined mood. Though missing Edmundas Liukimas, Keith Ogilvie, and Robbie Walshe, Enniscorthy fielded as strong starting eleven; Ó Suilleabháin acted as sweeper and Jason Rothwell added his experience and pace to the attack.
The visiting side made a solid start, passing the ball purposefully around midfield but finding it difficult to work their way through a packed Trinity defence. The students were dangerous on the break and Enniscorthy had to scramble quickly to halt the onrushing Trinity men. Despite their difficulties, an Enniscorthy goal looked increasingly likely. Cathal Ó Suilleabháin provided the opener midway through the half and supporters of the Wexford side expected a flurry of goals would follow. However, falling behind seemed to spur the students on and they responded following one of their trademark fast moves from central midfield. Enniscorthy's performance had noticeably slipped, and the equaliser had clearly rattled the visitors.
The half time break was badly needed as Fraser Rothwell's men had lost their cohesion and, just perhaps, some self- doubt had begun to creep in to their performance. A personnel shuffle saw Jason Rothwell move to his customary right hand side. Enniscorthy had one half remaining to maintain their position at the top of the league, and responded ruthlessly. Roy Chapman- who received a hard blow on the head from the ball in the first half- regained the lead with a ferocious shot, and Enniscorthy began to turn the screw. As a depleted Trinity side began to tire, the Slaneysiders became increasingly adventurous in attack, pressing higher up the pitch. Enniscorthy's attack was finding gaps in their opponents defence and St. Clair- Johnson and Jason Rothwell made numerous threatening runs into the Student's semi- circle. Good interplay between McAllister and Niall Maguire lead to Enniscorthy's third, and further scores seemed inevitable. Still, Trinity proved dangerous on the break and tough tackling from Casey, Clive Rothwell and Costello kept the Students at bay. Hill was also forced into a number of saves; to their credit, the Enniscorthy defence denied Trinity even a solitary short corner. Jason Rothwell secured the victory with goal number four, while a brace from Rory Maguire added a gloss to the scoreline.
Enniscorthy remain top of the league, and a healthy goal difference should prove beneficial in the weeks ahead. Despite the 6-1 scoreline, the Slaneysiders know that greater consistency is required.
Squad: Graham Hill; Andrew Rothwell; Clive Rothwell; Cathal Ó Suilleabháin; Kieran Costello; Jonathon Rothwell; Glenn Chapman; Roy Chapman; Niall Maguire; Chris St. Clair- Johnson; Seamus McAllister; John Casey; Rory Maguire.
