Linfield 2
Wexford Youths 3
Brendan Graham reports from Belfast
A 94TH-MINUTE Kylie Murphy goal gave Wexford Youths a dramatic 3-2 victory over Linfield today at Seaview in the Uefa Women’s Champions League.
A late strike from Claire Timoney looked set to give Linfield a share of the spoils until Murphy grabbed her second goal with the final kick of the game.
GOAAAAAAALLLLLL!!!!!!
— Wexford Youths Women (@YouthsWomen) August 13, 2018
Corner for the Youths is booted home by Kylie in the last kick of the game! Full time here!
⏱3-2 (90')#UWCL
The result sees Wexford Youths round off their campaign on a positive note after defeats to Ajax and Þór/KA denied them qualification from Group 1.
It was an even start to the game, with Wexford enjoying slightly more possession, and they were presented with a promising chance in the ninth minute. Aisling Frawley found space on the left and made her way towards goal before hitting a low shot which drifted narrowly wide.
The pressure was too much for Linfield and two minutes later Wexford took the lead from a superb set-piece. Captain Kylie Murphy led by example and rose highest from a corner to direct a powerful header past Lauren Perry.
Kylie Murphy with the opening goal for @YouthsWomen this afternoon in our 3-2 thriller in Belfast against @LinfieldLadies pic.twitter.com/dlx1eRqyPb
— Wexford Youths Women (@YouthsWomen) August 13, 2018
Rianna Jarrett really came into the game after the breakthrough. She went close minutes later following a pass from Emma Hansberry, who drove through the middle with intent.
The chance for Jarrett had the Ireland international eager for more and she doubled Wexford’s lead after 20 minutes. Nicola Sinnott’s cross found Jarrett on the edge of the box and she headed home to put her side 2-0 up.
Rianna Jarrett with @YouthsWomen second goal in our Champions League clash vs @LinfieldLadies this afternoon, super assist from Nicola Sinnott. pic.twitter.com/OIw8ab3ruv
— Wexford Youths Women (@YouthsWomen) August 13, 2018
To their credit, Linfield kept their spirits up and dug their heels in for the remainder of the first half, making life very difficult for Wexford. Their hard work and urgency paid off just before the break when Megan Bell beat Sophie Lenehan with a stunning free-kick.
Chances were harder to come by in the second half as an intriguing midfield battle unfolded. Seemingly content to protect their lead, Wexford took a slightly more defensive approach.
Linfield were working tirelessly to break Wexford down and create chances, but Orlaith Conlon and Lauren Dwyer kept the defence organised and on their toes while never being troubled to any great degree.
Both teams made changes as they sought an impact from their respective benches and Wexford substitute Catriona Parrock made a bright start when she was introduced with half an hour remaining.
Parrock, Jarrett and Frawley were linking up excellently in attack and almost combined perfectly for a third Wexford goal. Frawley battled her way past Lauren Robson on the right and sent the ball into the box. Jarrett got a faint touch before Parrock sent her effort over the crossbar.
It looked like Wexford would see out the game narrowly as the contest entered the final minutes but there was huge drama in the closing stages. Another dangerous Bell free-kick was delivered into a packed box and caused a goalmouth scramble, before Timoney poked the ball home to send the Linfield crowd into raptures.
The drama didn’t end there and Wexford’s hunger and ruthless efficiency told in the dying moments. Lenehan launched the ball up the pitch from the goal-kick, with Frawley earning her side a corner.
Kylie Murphy followed the corner all the way and timed her low shot perfectly to score for Wexford, a goal which was followed seconds later by the full-time whistle.
Kylie Murphy with the late late winner for @YouthsWomen as we return home with a much deserved win. pic.twitter.com/Ou29DIuAKG
— Wexford Youths Women (@YouthsWomen) August 13, 2018
Linfield: Lauren Perry, Kelsie Burrows (Claire Timoney, 62), Ashley Hutton, Chloe McCarron, Louise McFrederick (Louise McDaniel, 45), Lauren Robson, Megan Bell, Jennifer McDade, Rebecca McKenna (Caitlin McGuiness, 65), Sarah Venney, Rebecca Bassett.
Wexford Youths: Sophie Lenehan, Rebekah Cassin, Orlaith Conlon, Lauren Dwyer, Nicola Sinnnott, Emma Hansberry, Edel Kennedy (Aoife Slattery, 75), Kylie Murphy, Orla Casey (Catriona Parrock, 53), Aisling Frawley, Rianna Jarrett (Doireann Fahey, 86).
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