Wasteful Wexford lose their momentum as composed Galway win third on the spin

The hosts couldn't follow up last weekend's spirited win over Clare as the Tribesmen held on thanks in part to 14 Wexford wides 

ALL OVER HIM: Wexford’s Simon Roche and Fintan Burke of Galway. PIc: INPHO/Lorraine O’Sullivan

Allianz NHL Div 1A: Wexford 1-20 Galway 2-19

There was deflation for Wexford coming just seven days following their sole league victory over reigning league and All-Ireland champions Clare, as they succumbed to a two-point defeat to Galway.

Wexford had their largest following of the season so far,  understandable following last weekend's exploits. However their failure to deliver on back-to-back victories leaves them destined for a drop to Division 1B next season with a daunting trip to Limerick in their final outing and just two points to show from five games played.

Galway maintained their momentum with their third-successive victory keeping them very much in the title race. Given the nature of this latest victory they must have been happy with their continued progress as they set sights on bigger days ahead. They managed  to withstand a late Wexford onslaught that saw a 75th-minute Mark Fanning 21-metre free saved in a packed goalmouth.

As a game it was quite a disappointing contest as both sides struggled to bring any composure to things but it was Galway who looked more comfortable in the second half, pushing themselves into a seven point lead, 2-19 to 1-15, with six minutes remaining. While Wexford did manage to produce a late rally they were unable to create that goal they so desperately needed. The hosts had 14 wides, nine more than Galway, which was a crucial difference. 

Galway raced into an early three-point lead through a  long Michael Garvey free, David Burke and Ciaran Fahy with Wexford having to wait until the eighth minute for their opening score, a Seamus Casey pointed free.

Instead of Galway pushing ahead, it was Wexford who responded with points from Casey and Jack O'Connor along with two Casey 65s to lead 0-5 to 0-3 after 19 minutes.

After a lacklustre opening both sides began to rouse themselves with Casey sending over fine frees, as Galway responded with points from Darren Morrissey and three Garvey frees. Wexford now led 0-10 to 0-9 approaching the break.

Disaster struck the home side three minutes into first-half additional time when the defence failed to deal with a long Garvey free, leaving corner-forward Anthony Burns to find the net from close range leaving the tribesmen with a 1-9 to 0-10 interval lead.

Kevin Cooney, a half-time substitute, made his presence felt within one minute of the restart with a fine point, but within minutes Wexford were back level, 1-10 each, when Rory O'Connor intercepted a short puck-out to find the net.

Galway then hit a purple patch as they gradually took control with Conor Cooney and Kevin Cooney pointing. On 55 minutes they got a crucial breakthrough when, after Kevin Cooney was fouled, it was Conor who blasted the resulting penalty to the net, leaving them 2-16 to 1-13 ahead.

While Galway's bench made a second-half difference, it was Lee Chin who imposed himself on things when taking on the free-taking responsibilities after Casey had been substituted. Chin sent over four long frees to reduce the deficit to two points, but it was Galway who held firm in the closing minutes to continue their winning streak, while Wexford are consigned to Division 1B for next season.

Scorers for  Wexford: R O'Connor 1-2; S Casey 0-7, 0-5 frees, 0-2, 65s; L Chin 0-5 frees; C Foley, R Lawlor, C Hearne, C Dunbar, J O'Connor, S Reck 0-1 each.

Scorers for Galway: C Cooney 1-2, 0-2 frees, 1-0 pen; A Burns 1-1; M Garvey 0-5, 3f; David Burke, K Cooney 0-2 each; T Killeen 0-2 frees; D Morrissey, C Fahy, T Monaghan, C Molloy, S Linnane 0-1 each.

Wexford: M Fanning; E Ryan, S Donohoe, C Foley; R Lawlor, D Reck, C McGuckin; C Hearne, C Dunbar; J O'Connor, L Chin, J Redmond; K Foley, S Casey, R O'Connor. Subs: S Reck for D Reck (inj. 35); S Roche for Redmond (ht), N Murphy for Ryan (inj. ht), T Kinsella for Casey (60), M Dwyer for Dunbar (66).

Galway: D Fahy; J Grealish, F Burke, D Morrissey; P Mannion, G Lee, M Garvey; C Fahy, T Monaghan; David Burke, T Killeen, B Concannon; D McLoughlin, C Whelan, A Burns. Subs: C Molloy for Burns (59), K Cooney for McLoughlin (ht), C Cooney for Concannon (47), C Molloy for Burns (50), S Linnane for D Burke (60).

Referee: S Stack (Dublin).