Healy does the double to grant the Wolseley Wanderers Cup glory
By George Roberts
The Queen’s University Student league ended this month, as the 10-week, 11-aside competition, consisting of twenty-four teams was whittled down to just one. The games took place from early semester 2 in January, hosted at the Upper Malone Playing fields. Teams competed weekly in this knockout competition, with the victors progressing to the next round of the cup, and the losers being eliminated from the competition. The final on the 7th May saw the Wolseley Wanderers face the Rivertine Rovers.
Wolseley Wanderers finished their season in style with a thoroughly deserved cup final win, courtesy of their dominant second-half display. It was two powerful strikes at goal from forward Brian Healy that secured the Wanderers cup final glory over rivals, Rivertine Rovers.
From the blow of the first whistle, it was Rivertine who looked most likely to clinch the trophy, with their high pressing style of play limiting attacking opportunities for the Wanderers, forcing them to lose possession. However, for each of Rivertine’s creative passages of attacking play, it seemed they struggled to apply the killer finish on many occasions, ultimately costing them the win.
The 33rd minute would see Rover’s forward Sherry (#99) sail down the left wing, sending a shot from a tight angle, however, not managing to materialise anything as the ball sailed over the Wolseley crossbar, a move somewhat typical of Rivertine’s fierce display on the day.
Despite looking second best at the break, Wolseley came of the blocks flying in the second half, exerting more pressure on the Rivertine players than in the previous 45 minutes, forcing careless mistakes in the middle of the park.
It was a long throw into the Wolseley box that eventually led to the opening goal of the match. Rivertine Rovers failed to win the first ball and a defensive clearance from the blues looped over the heads of the Rovers centre-halves, leaving Wanderers forward, Healy one on one with goal.
An outstretched right arm from Rivertine goalkeeper Dylan was not enough to prevent Wolseley from taking the lead in the 53rd minute; a goal which no doubt sparked confidence for the Wanderers. Wolseley were eager to follow up with a second, which came in the 58th minute courtesy of another clinical finish from Healy. The striker latched onto another aerial forward pass, controlling the ball at the edge of the box, and smashing it into the bottom left-hand corner of the Rivertine net.
Rivertine came close to responding in the 60th minute with a skilful run at goal from Sherry. He created Rovers’ clearest goalscoring opportunity of the second half but unfortunately dragged his shot wide of the post.
A technical passage of play in the 90th minute led to a chance for Rivertine midfielder Bean (#8), who struck a powerful volley goal-ward which was gathered cleanly by Wolseley’s goalkeeper Dobrowolski, with the Full-time whistle sounding moments later, marking a 2-0 victory for the Wanderers.
Reporter George Robert’s caught up with some of the players and managers to hear about their match success.
Wolesley Wanderers’ manager Conall McGibbon said it was his team’s direct football that earned victory in the Student League Cup. Wanderers beat Rivertine Rovers 2-0 in the match at Upper Malone Road. And McGibbon said it was the result of particular tactics.
“We started playing a lot of over-the-top balls,” he said. “We were hoping for the ball to fall in behind our attackers.”
Two second half goals from Brian Healy secured the win. But the result also owed much to Wanderers’ defending.
McGibbon said: “Rivertine have a great attack. The boys handled the strikers very well today.”
Rivertine were restricted to chances from corners and just one shot on target in the 90th minute.
“The keeper managed the box very well,” said McGibbon.
The season now takes its summer break, with the Student League Cup due to resume in October.
