Wexford FC v UCD

[ForzaForth]

Bit of impetuosity from Wexford's Mikie Rowe on 36 minutes which earned him a straight red from Alan Patchell probably killed off Wexford’s chances in this game in Ferrycarrig this evening, and attention was diverted more and more to the game in Limerick. With Dean Larkin absent, Wexford started with Paul, James, Robbie, Mikie, Dobbsy, Kaylem, Zayd, Ryan, Aji, Evan and Ben. UCD bossed the game from the start as Wexford’s attempt to apply a press didn’t seem to have much effect. On two minutes, UCD had half a chance but Paul Martin in the Wexford goal grabbed the ball at the second attempt. On ten minutes, Paul Martin had to dive smartly to his left to grab an effort on goal by Adam Verdon. On twelve minutes, UCD found a lot of space down their left and a low cross allowed Hugh Smith to tap home for an easy finish. 1-0 to UCD. Wexford reacted well to going behind as they began to create chances themselves and, on 22 minutes, Mikie Rowe hit the UCD post from close in after being found by a good cross by Aji Oluwabiyi. Just before the half-hour mark, Oluwabiyi had a great run and shot which took a deflection and could have gone anywhere but it only resulted in a Wexford corner. Nine minutes before halftime, Eanna Clancy appeared to impede Mikie Rowe from chasing a ball, and Rowe took some retaliation by clipping Clancy around the ankle. Patchell produced a red card and Wexford had lost their leading marksman. Just before the break, Ryan Butler had a chance close in but either fell over or was fouled and the chance was lost with Patchell allowing play to continue. 1-0 to UCD at halftime.

[ForzaForth]

Wexford manager, Stephen Elliott, has shown himself to be adventurous in making changes and he appeared to really go for it at the start of the second period as he brought on Mo Haris and Conor Levingston in place of Ryan Butler and Kaylem Harnett – two young Wexford players who both seemed to have really good first halves. Nearest Wexford came to getting an equaliser occurred on 12 minutes when the hard-working Dobbsy set up Conor Levingston, but Conor got a nudge just in the act of shooting and couldn’t keep it on target. As the half progressed, UCD looked more and more dangerous and secured two further goals through McManus and Brennan. So, game ended 3-0 for UCD but Wexford appear to still have the final play-off spot in their grasp if they can win both of their final two games. Not for the first time, UCD appeared to have an edge in terms of physicality and fitness over the home side. Crowd was believed to be 420.