SSE Airtricity U17 League 2017 , Game 7 , Wexford Fc 0-1 Kerry

Saturday 20th May 2017
SSE Airtricity U17 League
Wexford Fc  0-1  Kerry
By Tommy Naughton

Kerry made the long journey to Ferrycarrig Park on Saturday and came away with three points after another excellent team performance. Making four changes from last weeks team who defeated Limerick Fc Kerry started brighly and went ahead in the eleventh minute when Martin Coughlan’s corner was headed powerfully to the back of the net by Dillon Robinson who has now scored in six league games in a row. Wexford tried to respond quickly but Robert Osborne reacted quickly to denied Brandon Deady. Kerry continued to push forward and were not happy with just the single goal and went close after an excellent run from Martin Coughlan. Wexford pressed for the equaliser before the break but could not break down the Kerry defence with John Ward stading out who was fantastic at left back.

Both sides share the possesion stakes early in the second half with Kerry’s Sheagh O’Connor having a fine game in the number 6 position. Neither side were creating any clear changes as both sides began to use their bench with Boki Nikic making a great impact for Kerry when he was introduced. Kerry nearly double their lead with ten minutes remaining when Boki Nikic picked out Kevin Williams at the back post but his effort was just wide of the target . With the game heading towards injury time Wexford had one final chance when Cian Foley’s point blank header was somehow saved by Robert Osborne and when Kerry broke quickly Boki Nikic was denied by a great save from Colum Feeney.

As the final whistle went you could see this was not just a win for the players but also for all the hard working staff involved with the team .

Kerry;  Robert Osborne, Michael O’Gara, John Ward, Sean Carmody, Ronan Cahill, Sheagh O’Connor, Kevin Williams, John Hayes, Dillon Robinson, Martin Coughlan, Adria Miravet. Subs; Boki Nikic for Miravet, Sebastian Vasiu for O’Gara, Thomas Burke for Robinson .

A big thanks to Wexford Fc for allowing the game to be played on the main pitch at Ferrycarrig Park which is something that the players will always remember .

Next Sunday Kerry will host the unbeaten league leaders Shamrock Rovers at Mounthawk Park. We are asking all the Kerry soccer public to once again come out and support the team before the mid season break. The home atmosphere has been fantastic so far this season .

After Match Comments ;
Manager Darren Aherne said this was a top class away performance by the squad and staff. Travelled like pro’s, then put in a workman like performance to add 3 more points to our total. Wonderful finish from Dillon to put us ahead. What then followed was something that all great squads have- unity, team spirit and hard work. The squad should be very proud of themselves tonight. Please get to Mounthawk Park next Sunday for a 2pm kickoff as we welcome table toppers Shamrock Rovers to the Kingdom.