Athlone

[ForzaForth]

Wexford completed their season with a home win in Ferrycarrig tonight which was far less comfortable than the scoreline suggests. In fact it was Athlone who showed most endeavour throughout the game, but lacked that bit of quality to break down a resolute Wexford defence on the night. Wexford started with Corey, Liam, Ross, Conor, John, Adham, Sean, Danny, Dean George and with Aaron and Dean Walsh up front. Athlone were on the front foot from the start, and after an early defensive mix-up which nearly gifted Athlone a goal, Hamzat for Athlone had a shot saved by Corey Chambers who had an excellent night between the posts for Wexford. Wexford’s first chance on goal came on 22 minutes, and it gave them the breakthrough as a free into the Athlone box was met by the head of Ross Kenny, and Aaron Dobbs was able to finish from close in to put Wexford a goal ahead. With nine minutes to go in the half, Athlone should have equalised when a header hit the Wexford crossbar, and the rebound from a couple of yards out was headed over an empty Wexford net when it seemed easier to score. Athlone then had another header from a corner a yard wide and, just before half-time, Athlone gifted Wexford another goal when Fogarty in the Athlone goal drilled a clearance at Wexford’s Dean Walsh, who had the composure to collect the ball, turn away from goal to give himself space and curl a left-footed shot inside the far post to put Wexford 2-0 ahead at half-time without having played particularly well.

[ForzaForth]

Second half was about game management by Wexford, as Athlone pressed hard to get back into the game, but Wexford’s defence, coupled with some good catching by Corey Chambers in the Wexford goal, limited Athlone’s chances to a premium. Wexford’s subs during the second half were Sean Smithers, Craig O’Reilly and AJ Lehane. Athlone had the ball in the net after about 25 minutes of the second half but it was ruled out for offside and after an early save at his near post by Chambers, Wexford looked comfortable enough agains tan Athlone side who looked as though they never would have scored. Athlone also changed their keeper at half-time who apparently was making his debut and looked handy enough. 2-0 the final score for Wexford with Corey Chambers, Danny Doyle, Sean Kelly and Aaron Dobbs impressing for the home side. About 140 or so at the game.