Enniscorthy's men claimed their first major scalp of the season as they defeated Corinthians IV following a titanic struggle in the first round of the division eight cup at the town's Astro Active Centre on Sunday, October 20th.
A penalty flick from defender Clive Rothwell deep into the second period of added time sealed victory for the hosts against the reigning cup holders. It was a result Enniscorthy- wearing unfamiliar black- richly deserved after a dominant second half performance marked by a tremendous will to win and some impressive interplay.
Things did not go entirely to plan for the first-time entrants to the competition as Corinthians ratcheted up the pressure early on. Right back Andrew Rothwell had a busy opening half defensively but managed to produce a number of encouraging runs forward also. The pace of Jason Rothwell on the right wing was proving problematic for the reds but Enniscorthy were unable to convert possession into attempts on goal. Instead it was the visitors who were creating chances after forcing a number of short corners; left back Kieran Costello narrowly deflecting one such dangerous effort wide. A short corner soon after, however, found the net, the Corinthians attack finding a gap between the onrushing Enniscorthy defence and goalkeeper Graham Hill.
Corinthians, however, failed to push on and instead it was the underdogs who seized the initiative, Niall Maguire and Robbie Walshe coming close with a number of efforts. At the half time interval Enniscorthy manager Fraser Rothwell opted for three up front and this had the desired effect, with his side dominating second half possession. Ó Suilleabháin and Glenn Chapman, operating centrally were busily snuffing out Corinthians forward momentum, while ferocious defending meant only one short corner was conceded in the second period. As the half progressed, visitors goalkeeper David Harkin was all that stood between Enniscorthy and an equaliser. A shot across goal by Roy Chapman, deflected in by the Corinthians defence eventually brought the hosts level, much to the relief of the enthusiastic home support.
Their team scented victory and piled forward. There was no way through, however, and extra time loomed. Both sides were visibly tiring, especially Enniscorthy following their scoreless draw with St Brendan’s Phoenix Park the day before. Still, both sides worked frantically in defence and attack, producing a thrilling finale for the spectators.
Robbie Walshe, moving dangerously in on goal, found his way blocked by Harkin lying on the ball. Umpire Robert Syme indicated a penalty flick which Clive Rothwell calmly converted. A few nervous, frantic minutes remained for the home side and their support- ers, but Enniscorthy hung on for an energy- sapping victory after eighty-five minutes of non-stop action.
Squad: Graham Hill; Roy Chapman; Glenn Chapman; Cathal Ó Suilleabháin; Niall Maguire; Rory Maguire; Jonathon Rothwell; Robbie Walshe; Andrew Rothwell; Jason Rothwell; Clive Rothwell; Keith Ogilvie; Kieran Costello; Greg Hawkins; Robbie Kavanagh; John Casey.
A penalty flick from defender Clive Rothwell deep into the second period of added time sealed victory for the hosts against the reigning cup holders. It was a result Enniscorthy- wearing unfamiliar black- richly deserved after a dominant second half performance marked by a tremendous will to win and some impressive interplay.
Things did not go entirely to plan for the first-time entrants to the competition as Corinthians ratcheted up the pressure early on. Right back Andrew Rothwell had a busy opening half defensively but managed to produce a number of encouraging runs forward also. The pace of Jason Rothwell on the right wing was proving problematic for the reds but Enniscorthy were unable to convert possession into attempts on goal. Instead it was the visitors who were creating chances after forcing a number of short corners; left back Kieran Costello narrowly deflecting one such dangerous effort wide. A short corner soon after, however, found the net, the Corinthians attack finding a gap between the onrushing Enniscorthy defence and goalkeeper Graham Hill.
Corinthians, however, failed to push on and instead it was the underdogs who seized the initiative, Niall Maguire and Robbie Walshe coming close with a number of efforts. At the half time interval Enniscorthy manager Fraser Rothwell opted for three up front and this had the desired effect, with his side dominating second half possession. Ó Suilleabháin and Glenn Chapman, operating centrally were busily snuffing out Corinthians forward momentum, while ferocious defending meant only one short corner was conceded in the second period. As the half progressed, visitors goalkeeper David Harkin was all that stood between Enniscorthy and an equaliser. A shot across goal by Roy Chapman, deflected in by the Corinthians defence eventually brought the hosts level, much to the relief of the enthusiastic home support.
Their team scented victory and piled forward. There was no way through, however, and extra time loomed. Both sides were visibly tiring, especially Enniscorthy following their scoreless draw with St Brendan’s Phoenix Park the day before. Still, both sides worked frantically in defence and attack, producing a thrilling finale for the spectators.
Robbie Walshe, moving dangerously in on goal, found his way blocked by Harkin lying on the ball. Umpire Robert Syme indicated a penalty flick which Clive Rothwell calmly converted. A few nervous, frantic minutes remained for the home side and their support- ers, but Enniscorthy hung on for an energy- sapping victory after eighty-five minutes of non-stop action.
Squad: Graham Hill; Roy Chapman; Glenn Chapman; Cathal Ó Suilleabháin; Niall Maguire; Rory Maguire; Jonathon Rothwell; Robbie Walshe; Andrew Rothwell; Jason Rothwell; Clive Rothwell; Keith Ogilvie; Kieran Costello; Greg Hawkins; Robbie Kavanagh; John Casey.
