By PAUL GOTHAM
WILLIAMSON, N.Y. — Johnny Niles sparked a four-goal barrage late in the first half, and the Williamson Marauders went on to defeat North Rose-Wolcott, 6-0 in Wayne County boys’ soccer action, Monday night.
Niles connected on a pass from his brother, Tim, with 21 minutes and change remaining just before halftime. Less than two minutes later, he found the back of the net again.
21:15 remaining in the first half, Johnny Niles starts the scoring. @WillMarauders 1-0. pic.twitter.com/cAFGy0Ph3d
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) October 11, 2021
“He’s got a great touch and speed,” Williamson head coach Al Ferland said of the junior attacker. “When he keeps his mind positive, good things happen.”
Seniors Jonathan Hayes and Troy Ingham followed with a tally apiece for a commanding lead heading into halftime.
“We played well,” Ferland said. “We moved the ball well, very proud of the boys.”
16:45 remaining in the first half: Jonathan Hayes gives @WillMarauders a 3-0 lead. pic.twitter.com/2PTEGo7KXg
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) October 11, 2021
The loss came two days after falling 2-1 in overtime to the same North Rose-Wolcott squad.
“We had a little wake-up call on Saturday about how to play the game,” said Ferland whose team was ranked No. 2 in the state and unbeaten in 11 straight heading into that previous contest.
The Marauders left no doubt in Monday’s second half.
Hayes took advantage of a second-chance opportunity on a corner kick for his second goal of the night. Niles connected on a left-footed strike from just outside the 18.
Jonathan Hayes takes advantage of a second chance on a corner kick to give @WillMarauders a 5-0 lead. pic.twitter.com/g1xKJ099IY
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) October 11, 2021
Less than eight minutes had elapsed in the second stanza, and Williamson was in cruise control.
“Saturday was a tough one,” Ferland said. “We were coming off a late homecoming game, Friday. No excuses. They (North Rose-Wolcott) played well on Saturday, but we were coming off a late Friday night and had to get on the bus early. It was a tough one.’
Niles ran his individual season total to 11 goals with Monday’s effort – his first career hat trick at the varsity level.
“I had a couple chances earlier this season, but I got it tonight,” Niles said referring to the three-goal game. “We were working the ball around the field really well.”
With a backline anchored by Sam Belmont and Thomas DeFisher, Adrian Cramer stopped four shots for the shutout – Williamson’s third in four games and sixth overall this season. The Marauders have outscored opponents 53-13.
Ingham’s goal was his team-leading 12th of the season to go with 10 assists. Hayes has nine goals and five assists.
Tim Niles finished with two assists. Belmont and Marshall Faniel added a helper apiece.
Williamson (12-2-1) hosts Byron-Bergen/Elba on Friday to close the regular season. The Marauders currently hold the top seed in Class C1. Sectionals open next Tuesday.
North Rose-Wolcott (6-6-2) hosts Sodus on Wednesday in its regular season finale.
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