St Columba’s College's late fightback in vain in National Senior Cup semi-final

Wexford CBS prevailed over St. Columba’s College to book their spot in this season’s Dr Tony O’Neill National Senior Cup U-19 Large Schools final following a six-goal thriller in the AUL Complex, Clonshaugh on Thursday.

Wexford CBS 4-2 St Columba’s College, Stranorlar

A fabulous brace from Wexford duo Norval and Purcell was enough to see off a very late goal surge from the Stranorlar school to set up a tie with Holy Rosary College, Mountbellew on Wednesday week.

Padraig Whitty’s charges enjoyed an excellent spell of possession in the opening 45 which saw them one up at the breakthrough a converted penalty from Sam Norval after nine minutes.

Polish Underage International Filip Wasilewski came very close to doubling their tally on 24 minutes as his headed effort just sailed narrowly over the crossbar. An audacious lob on the Columba’s keeper Ronan Callaghan from the impressive Darby Purcell a minute from the break just went agonisingly wide of the far post.

The Ulster champions were lucky just to be one behind as they entered the second period. A resurgent St Columba’s were more composed on the ball and looked a different team in the intervening period. They had Wexford on the back foot for much of the game and looked likely to score early on.

Daithí McMahon was introduced for Stranorlar at half-time and he made an immediate impact forcing a delightful save from Wexford netminder and captain Shay O’Leary. The hardworking Mbuli brothers forced O’Leary to be on his guard for much of the game as they pressed forward at every opportunity. However, a purple patch for Wexford in the final quarter of the game saw them net three quick goals inside seven minutes.

Darby Purcell made it 2-0 on 76 minutes with a wonderful shot on target.

Then two minutes later, Sam Norval smashed a rocket which left Callaghan with no chance as the ball sprung off his fingertips to the top corner. Wexford’s fourth came seven minutes from time when Darby Purcell hit his brace with a wonder goal.

A late surge from St. Columba’s showed their determination when Oisin Duffy converted from a brilliant set piece from the edge of the box on 86 minutes. St. Columba’s College cast a second goal in the 90th minute as Daniel Marley produced a phenomenal strike that hit the far post from 20 yards out.

Mark Anthony McGinley’s side nearly got a third with two minutes of additional time on the clock as Martin Mbuli nicked the woodwork as the ball looked destined for the top corner.

A highly entertaining contest but unfortunately the Twin Towns’ side lleft it too late for the dramatic comeback.

Wexford CBS were value for money and should produce an excellent outing against Holy Rosary College, Mountbellew in two weeks’ time.

Wexford CBS: Shay O’Leary, Luc Farrell, Jesse Dempsey, Ben English, Tadhg Brohan, Connor Mackey, Darby Purcell, Darragh Byrne Moloney, Brandon Stafford, Sam Norval, Filip Wasilewski. Subs Ben Harpur for Farrell (70), Rory Gilbert for F Wasilewski (70), Conor Maher, Kaelem O’Connor, Cormac Mythen

St. Columba’s: Ronan Callaghan, Adam McCullagh, Liam Carlin, Martin Mbuli, Jack Long, Conor McGinty, Mark Mbuli, Josh McMenamin, Shaun McMenamin, Barrie McGhee, Oisin Duffy. Subs: Daithi McMahon for McGhee (HT), Bobby Hennigan for McCullagh (74), Daniel Marley for Mark Mbuli (82), Kyle Ruttledge, Charlie Byrne.
Referee: Darragh White (Dublin)