Masterful performance by Wexford in the RSC tonight as they largely nullified the potent Waterford attack and then did enough damage at the other end to put them three goals clear at one point. In a game for which manager, Ian Ryan, deserves great credit, the XI which started (in the absence, in particular, of Jack Doherty and Joe Manley) was Alex, Eoin Farrell, Paul C, Luka, Conor C, Conor B, Dobbsy, Thomas, Adam, Jordon and Harry. First half was relatively even if you discount the great chance for the Blues at the end of the half. An early Shane Griffin shot for Waterford went well over the Wexford crossbar and then, on five minutes, Harry Groome was set up for an effort on goal, but Blues keeper, Brian Murphy, made a good catch. On 27 minutes, a long-range effort by the impressive Griffin for Waterford smacked squarely off Wexford’s crossbar and back into play. Little threat from then at either end of the pitch until, with two minutes to go in the half, Phoenix Patterson forced Alex Moody to make a really good save and new Waterford signing, Aouachria, could only snatch at the rebound to volley it over the bar. 0-0 at half-time. At this stage, Adam Wells had also been replaced for Wexford by Len O’Sullivan due to injury.
Wexford showed up Waterford’s defensive vulnerability early on in the second half when, on five minutes, a quick throw by Wexford put Dobbsy in the clear and, although his initial shot was saved by Brian Murphy, Thomas Considine had the relatively simple task of knocking home the rebound for 1-0 to Wexford. Two minutes later, it was 2-0 when Wexford exposed Waterford down the latter’s right flank and the Waterford defence couldn’t prevent Dobbsy from poking home a chance from close in to make it 2-0. Waterford didn’t really look like getting anything on the scoreboard at this stage with a series of hopeful balls forward mopped up by a dominant Wexford defence. With 26 minutes gone in the half, Wexford caused damage down Waterford’s left flank through Thomas Considine, and his cross found Conor Barry free inside the Waterford six yard box to finish with a routine header to make it 3-0. Luke Scanlon and Conor Davis were brought on for Wexford at this stage and later Dinny Corcoran and Ger Shortt. The only defensive frailty shown by Wexford occurred with nine minutes to go when a couple of tired tackles allowed Shane Griffin to skip through and plant the ball past Alex Moody for 3-1. The game finished with Alex Moody getting a free in his favour after missing a punch due to being impeded and Shane Griffin being unable to control a through ball for Waterford with his back to goal. Wexford continue their hunt for the final play-off place with good performances all over the pitch but I’ll give my player of the game award to Aaron Dobbs up front for Wexford whose hold-up play was absolutely exceptional. 3-1 to Wexford at full-time.
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