Finishing Division 7 with a win!
Enniscorthy passed an extremely stern test at the Astro Active Centre on Saturday, as their 2-1 win over a skilful Mullingar side kept their two- year unbeaten home record intact on the last day of the league season.
The midlands side arrived in the cathedral town with a mathematical chance of gaining promotion, as a high- scoring victory over the hosts would see them leapfrog Monkstown into second place. Their intent was clear from the off, as the visitors piled on the pressure. Most of their attacks were focused on the centre and Enniscorthy's right, and defenders Keith Ogilvie, Clive Rothwell and Ivan Rothwell were particularly busy warding off the waves of Mullingar attacks. The Slaneysiders best chances came on the break, with fast moves up the right wing proving troublesome for the Westmeath club. Robbie Walshe's lob of the 'keeper went over the bar, as did an effort from Glenn Chapman; Andrew Rothwell had a goal disallowed, and a subsequent Enniscorthy effort which was stopped on the line by a defender's foot only yielded a short corner; the lively Jowett came off second best in a one-on-one with goalkeeper Eoin Feeney. Mullingar had the possession, but Enniscorthy were more creative up front.
The visitors upped the ante on the restart, and a titanic struggle developed as both sides sought to break the deadlock. Again Mullingar were the dominant force, Holger Marl in particular asking questions of the home defence. Graham Hill in the Enniscorthy goal had to be constantly on the alert, and pulled off a string of saves to deny the visitors but there was little he could do to stop the Mullingar opener. "I thought when the goal went in our heads would drop", mused captain Clive Rothwell after the final whistle, but his side refused to lie down. Instead they took the fight to the midlands side, dominating possession in a fifteen minute spell midway through the second half, which yielded two goals.
The first was the result of a short corner; Clive Rothwell pushed the ball to the top of the semi- circle where it was met by Ó Suilleabháin. His mis-hit effort fooled Feely and the league champions had their equaliser. Buoyed by the score, Enniscorthy then went in search of the lead. The hosts were able to benefit from a poor hit-out by Mullingar, Jowett winning the race to the ball. Driving forward into the visitors semi- circle, he released the ball left to McAlister as the former was quickly closed down by the Mullingar defence. McAlister steadied himself, and his shot bobbled past Feely and over the line.
The last ten minutes of the match was a desperate affair: Mullingar frantically seeking a way through a ferocious Enniscorthy defence, and the home side battling to keep them out. Long clearances upfield were a temporary relief for the home side, as Mullingar fought right to the end, but the Wexford men held out to claim all three points and end the league season on a high.
Squad: Graham Hill; Ivan Rothwell; Keith Ogilvie; P. J. Pierce; Clive Rothwell; Andrew Rothwell; Glenn Chapman; Roy Chapman; Cathal Ó Suilleabháin; Robbie Walshe; Liam Jowett; Nick Peare; Martin Veitch; Kieran Costello; Rory Maguire; Greg Hawkins; Seamus McAlister.