Farrell earns lucky Wexford share of spoils
Even this late cameo did not take from another disappointing display from the Model County, who having got level one minute into additional time almost lost the game when they handed Dublin midfielder Simon Lambert a last gasp opportunity of snatching a victory. However, the tall midfielder’s 70 seventy metre effort from in front of the posts drifted slightly to the right and wide.
So, Dublin had a chance of taking both points, but they still be happy to escape with a draw, having played the closing 15 minutes with 14 players, attacker Peadar Carton been sent off on a second yellow for a challenge on Wexford’s Michael Doyle.
But credit to their battling qualities. They y struck back for some great points from Stuart Mullen, John McCaffrey and David Callaghan to build a three point cusion entering the closing minute, but they will be disgusted with their defending that led to the equalising goal.
Wexford, having won a free some 90 y metres from goal, saw Richie Kehoe drop the resulting free onto the fourteen metres line. The ball broke but slow covering saw Colm Farrell, marking his first full senior game, crash a low drive beyond Gary Maguire to hand the home side a somewhat fortunate share of the points.
Despite the late blow, Dublin manager Tommy Naughton was still happy with his side’s showing.
“We never pushed ahead even when we went three points in front. This is what happens when you don’t take full advantage in hurling while on top.
“One is fully aware of my opinions on the relegation issue and it goes down to the final game when we travel to Waterford.”
Wexford Manager John Meyler praised the way his side battled back in the closing minutes.
“We have to take some positives out of the game, the displays of both Colm Farrell and Tommy Dwyer, but it didn’t happen for a lot of players.
” Right now we look ahead to Cork. We’re in a relegation dog fight so we just have to wait and see what happens next weekend.”
Dublin, playing into the strong wind, led 0-2 to 0-0 after thirteen minutes with points from Stuart Mullen and Kevin Flynn. Wexford had to wait until the 15th minute for their opening score, Stephen Nolan drilling home a semi-penalty after been fouled heading for goal, to hand his side a slender one point lead.
With Peader Carton, Mullen and David O’Callaghan picking off some excellent points, Dublin were playing with great composure, as both Stephen Hiney and Tomas Brady were outstanding in defence, while at the opposite end, Keith Rossiter was playing with skill and confidence in the home defence.
Wexford could only manage two David Redmond first half points from play, while a Mullen late free saw the sides level, 1-3 to 0-6 at the interval.
Wexford upped the ante on the resumption with two Stephen Nolan pointed frees, but the Dubs managed to remain in contention through points from Mullen and McCaffrey, before a Mullen free had the sides level 1-6 to 0-9, after forty-seven minutes.
The sides were still deadlocked 1-9 to 0-12, with nine minutes remaining, but it was the Dubs despite their numerical disadvantage who fashioned excellent points from play through Mullen, O’Callaghan and McCaffrey to lead 0-15 to 1-9, with the game moving into additional time.
Then came Farrell’s last gasp equalising goal but it may not still be enough to save Wexford from relegation. With Antrim already set for the drop, Wexford have a 15 points inferior points difference to Dublin going into their final game.
WEXFORD: D Fitzhenry; M Travers, K Rossiter, P Roche; R Kehoe, D Morton, C Kenny; C Farrell (1-0), J O’Connor; W Doran, M Doyle, M. Jacob, D Redmond (0-2), S Nolan (1-4 frees), R Jacob (0-3 frees).
Subs: T Dwyer for O’Connor (29 mins); D Lyng for Doran (35); E Martin for R Jacob (61); S Doyle for Redmond (64).
DUBLIN: G Maguire; P Brennan, S Hiney, P Bergin; M Carton, T Brady, J Boland; J McCaffrey (0-2), S Lambert (0-1); S Mullen (0-7, 0-6 frees), D O’Dwyer, R O’Carroll; D O’Callaghan (0-2), K Flynn (0-1), P Carton (0-2).
Subs: P O’Driscoll for Flynn (41);P Garbutt for O’Carroll (48); A McCrabbe for O’Dwyer (64).
Referee: D Connolly (Kilkenny).
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