Stephen Quinn will be smiling from ear to ear this morning as his Wexford Youths side enjoyed a winning return to Ferrycarrig Park.
Cheered on by loyal home support, the South East outfit saw off the visiting Sligo Rovers by three goals to one.
Another very good three points.
Goals from Rianna Jarrett, Emily Corbet and Michaela Lawrence. pic.twitter.com/rZjp3LVCCd
— Wexford Youths Women (@YouthsWomen) March 11, 2023
Michaela Lawrence opened the scoring on the 21' with her first senior goal for Quinn's side.
Following a lofted cross into the box, the ball bounced to the right foot of Lawrence, who displayed some excellent technique to drive the ball low and hard to the keeper's right.
Another first, Michaela Lawrence scoring her first senior goal for Wexford Youths Women, super technique on the volley to open the scoring at Ferrycarrig tonight. pic.twitter.com/gRyYMeiZ23
— Wexford Youths Women (@YouthsWomen) March 11, 2023
It remained that way up to the end of the half, and a tough-fought game was anything but assured at that point.
Sarah Kiernan silenced the home crowd after 50', drawing the away side level and setting the tone for an exciting finale.
Step up Rianna Jarrett on her return to Ferrycarrig and a goal on the 70' to take the home side in front.
It was a splendidly worked goal on the right wing. The impressive Abbie Brophy delivered a pinpoint cross into the box with Jarrett supplying the finest of headers.
It was her 100th goal in only her 110th appearance for the side.
Rianna Jarrett scoring her 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣th goal for Wexford Youths Women FC at Ferrycarrig this evening.
Abbie Brophy with the super assist. pic.twitter.com/DX6JbCznNN
— Wexford Youths Women (@YouthsWomen) March 11, 2023
Emily Corbet sealed the three points 6 minutes later when she found the net with her first goal of the season.
Ciara Rossiter showed exceptional attacking pedigree down the left wing to drive her side forward, squaring the ball to the on-rushing Corbet, who guided home from inside the box.
First Wexford goal for Emily Corbet tonight!
Orlaith Conlon and Ciara Rossiter involved in the build up, Emily does the rest. pic.twitter.com/Zy25WaSiX6
— Wexford Youths Women (@YouthsWomen) March 11, 2023
It was a difficult game in wintery conditions and a deserved three points for the home side. It maintains their 100% start, and the girls can enjoy a week's break with a bye in game week 3.
Speaking after the game, Stephen Quinn was happy to seal the three points after a difficult night in the South East.
"It's great to be back in Ferrycarrig. We want three points at the start of the game - whether we are home or away - and we are happy with the points today," he said.
"We knew it was going to be a tough game, especially in that second half. Six points in the first two games was our objective, so we are happy."
His side will not play again until March 25, when they make the trip to face Cork City.
"We know ourselves, we can't take the foot off the pedal and we'll train hard this week, over the weekend and next weekend," Quinn continued.
"Cork will be no easy team, especially in Turners Cross, and we are looking forward to that.
"So, time will tell if it's a good thing or a bad thing on Saturday week but we're looking forward to it."
The early season anticipation is high around this side. It is bursting with flair, attacking talent and plenty of options from the bench.
Despite that, the returning Jarrett will have a large say in the outcome of this season and was delighted to get off the mark on her return to Wexford.
"For me, personally, it's nice to get my goal tally started for the season and obviously to get that 100th goal is extra special," she said.
"Shout out to Eddie Cullen who hasn't let leave it down since the day I left Wexford, telling me I left on 99 goals!
"Obviously to get over the line with that."
? Post match reaction from Rianna Jarrett, our goal centurion, after tonight’s win at Ferrycarrig Park. pic.twitter.com/3S7Frc7g8l
— Wexford Youths Women (@YouthsWomen) March 11, 2023
The victory has Wexford in fourth spot in the table and one of four sides on maximum points - alongside Peamount, Shamrock Rovers and Shelbourne.
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