No Garden Party in the Garden County
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The 5ths back match in Wicklow town on the shale against the Wicklow club was a feisty affair on 19th March 2011. The home team made full use of local knowledge to launch all the early challenges but Glenanne thwarted them until a fine midfield run went straight through the centre of the defence and beat the despairing Dave Williamson.
Stephen Nowlan, neat and tidy on the ball, equalised on the visitor’s third attack. Mark Caple took a heavy knock and had to be replaced towards the end of the half. The visitors took the lead through a disputed effort. The defence claiming that the shot came from outside the circle. Forbes Vigors at the middle of the back for Wicklow stopped every ball on the bumpy bouncy surface to give a ‘man of the match’ performance.
Wicklow had scored full points to date and attacked with vigour at the start of the second half. Glens, with Tobin making numerous interceptions, quelled all comers until a well taken flick to the roof of the net to go 3-1 up seemed to seal it for the Garden county lads. Mick Tolan and Eddie O’Malley missed good opportunities. Sam Williamson created good openings
Caple was certified fit to resume hostilities. With twelve to go he crashed home a beauty and celebrated as though ‘Engaland’ had won the bingo world cup. A succession of corners followed and more drama as a disputed equaliser was awarded, then unawarded and finally awarded. The drama continued into the six minutes of stoppage time. The umpire lost his cap. Wicklow had a corner at the death but failed to convert it. Keppel led his troops through the town a draw was a victory of sorts, the Garden men had dropped their first points of the season.
