League Report: Cabinteely FC 1 - 0 Wexford Youths

On a historic night at Stradbrook, Cabinteely FC recorded a 1-0 win over Wexford Youths in their first ever League of Ireland game, thanks to a goal just before half time by midfielder John McKeown.

On a night of firsts, we had the first League of Ireland match to be played in Stradbrook; the first yellow card for a Cabinteely player in a competitive game; Cabinteely's first substitution; the club's first potential fine for the lighting of a flare; and, most importantly of all, the first goal scored by a Cabinteely player in the LOI. Ultimately, one goal would prove enough to give Eddie Gormley's side their first three points in the SSE Airtricity First Division.

In 2007, it was Wexford Youths who were starting out life as a League of Ireland club. Eight years on, they are considered to be one of four teams challenging for promotion, just one season after – perhaps unexpectedly – coming into the play-off reckoning for the first time.

The match was prefaced with an impressive pyrotechnics display and the teams being led onto the pitch by a kilt-wearing, bag-pipe-playing chap.

It was a scrappy game, one in which Youths failed to really find a rhythm as Cabo – perhaps buoyed by the large crowd – turned in a solid performance which frustrated the visitors. Home captain Robert Maloney and his centre-back partner Victor Ekanem were reliable, with Jordan Buckley looking dangerous playing just in behind Ger Pender and Shane O'Neill a constant threat on the right-wing.

The pandemonium pre-game was followed by a very bright start for the home side, who had the game's first chance in the eighth minute when Jordan Buckley slipped Kevin Knight in behind the Youths' backline. Knight’s effort was saved by Graham Doyle and from the resulting corner, Cabinteely skipper Robert Maloney almost scored against his former club, but could only direct his header straight at the 'keeper.

The home side had the better of the first twenty minutes, with Youths unable to fashion a decent chance. The absence of record league goalscorer, Danny Furlong, to a hamstring strain didn't help Youths' cause – he was fit enough only for the bench. Philly Drohan's 21^st minute effort from distance was their first effort of the game, but it dribbled wide.

In the 23^rd minute, Shane O'Neill had the distinction of becoming the first Cabinteely player to be booked in a First Division game, and from the resulting free-kick, Youths wanted a penalty for handball, but the appeals were ignored. John McKeown joined O'Neill in the book two minutes later – two minutes too late to claim a bit of history, though.

Youths then almost took the lead in the 36^th minute when Ryan Delaney connected with a Bonner corner, but under pressure from Victor Ekanem he fired wide. Four minutes later, Evan Finnegan latched onto a poor clearance from Delaney, took one touch and hit a right-foot volley that just kept rising right over the bar.

But Cabo were not to be denied on their big night and they took the lead in the 43^rd minute when a Shane O'Neill corner was met first once again by Maloney. After a goalmouth scramble in which the ball went beyond the 'keeper, it was John McKeown who  fired home the first Cabinteely goal to the delight of the majority of the 1,300 people in the ground.

Youths almost fell further behind within 30 seconds of the restart when Doyle dropped an O'Neill cross under pressure from Knight, with Ger Pender tapping in – but Rogers had blown for the foul on the very relieved Youths goalkeeper.

McKeown nearly doubled his side's lead and his own tally eight minutes into the second half when a calamity of errors in the Youths backline between Delaney and Grace gave possession to Buckley. His cross was too deep, but was retrieved by Knight, hooking it back to Pender. The former Longford Town striker laid it off to McKeown who struck a powerful effort just over the bar with Doyle flailing.

With Youths struggling for penetration, Danny Furlong was introduced as a 52^nd minute substitute – and he really should have levelled matters after only being on the pitch for seven minutes. A ball over the top put the striker in, but instead of trying to round the 'keeper he finished meekly and Whelan gathered comfortably.

The bobble caused by the rugby pitch caused a number of problems for the players, with Youths winger Philly Drohan a victim – he brushed past Aaron Brilly and looked like he was going to cut the ball back to two onrushing teammates, but the ball kicked up as he attempted the pass and he sliced it wide, falling in the process for comic effect.

Furlong had another good opportunity in the 68^th minute when he directed a header goalwards – but it was straight at Whelan, much to the striker's frustration.

Eddie Gormley’s side would have to withstand late pressure from Wexford if they were to hold out for three points, and hold out they did as a late Bonner volley was well held by the Cabo 'keeper, and that was it.

Given little chance by the bookies pre-match, Cabinteely had overcome the odds to complete a fairytale start to life in League of Ireland football. For Shane Keegan and his Wexford Youths, it will be a case of three points dropped as they look to put pressure on the other title challengers this season.

Cabinteely FC: Evan Whelan; Aaron Brilly, Robert Maloney (c), Victor Ekanem, Jamie McGlynn; Shane O'Neill, John McKeown, Evan Finnegan, Kevin Knight; Jordan Buckley (Lloyd Cairns, 74); Ger Pender.
Subs not used: Shane Fagan (gk), Conor Foley, Gavin Fahy, Eoin O'Sullivan, Tyrone McNelis, Bobinel Mazono.

Bookings: S O'Neill (23), McKeown (25), Knight (78).

Wexford Youths: Graham Doyle (c); Conor Whittle, Ryan Delaney, Craig Comerford, Lee Grace; Eric Molloy, Peter Higgins, Craig Wall (Danny Furlong, 52), Phillip Drohan (James Dermody, 79); Johnny Bonner, Conor English (Craig McCabe, 79).
Subs not used: Seamus Houghton (gk), Conor Maher, Andrew Wall.

Bookings: Dermody (80)

Referee: Simon Rogers.

Attendance: 1,420

Extratime.ie Man of the Match: Robert Maloney (Cabinteely FC)