Keeper Mark Fanning's last gasp goal earns Wexford dramatic over Antrim in controversial clash

Antrim manager Davy Fitzgerald was left totally frustrated at the late decision by the referee which led to the goal.

LATE DRAMA: Wexford's Mark Fanning celebrates at the full-time whistle. Pic: ©INPHO/Grace Halton.

Wexford 1-13 Antrim 1-12

VETERAN keeper Mark Fanning came to his side's rescue as his goal seven minutes into additional time handed Wexford a dramatic single point victory over Antrim in this Allianz National Hurling League Division 1B game at Chadwicks Wexford Park.

As Fanning's shot beat a lined goal to the top corner of the net, it left Antrim manager Davy Fitzgerald totally frustrated at the late decision by referee Thomas Walsh.

Referee had indicated five minutes of additional time, but as the game hit the seventh minute of added time, the Waterford official awarded Wexford a free inside the Antrim 45 before he brought the ball forward for dissent.

Then following some delays and frustration on the part of the players, Fanning eventually composed himself to beat the defensive line in the goal.

Wexford manager Keith Rossiter, who has experienced a difficult few months following the defection of so many key players, was happy with the end result.

"It was positive to take the two points from our opening game," he said.

"It was a controversial finish but it's important for us to win our home games as we are away to both Clare and Dublin.

"It was a difficult evening for everyone, the game played out in horrendous conditions, and we're delighted for the young side to come out with a result. It will boost their confidence as we travel to Down next weekend."

Played out in driving rain and wind it was almost impossible for either side to produce any flowing hurling, with the game developing into a series of rucks and mauls.

All of the drama was reserved until the closing minutes as both sides strove for crucial scores. Antrim were leading 0-12 to 0-10 with three minutes remaining but two Simon Roche pointed frees brought the sides level 0-12 each on 70 minutes.

But it was Antrim who produced the next attack as Sean Elliott raced through the centre before picking out Conor Johnston who beat keeper Mark Fanning giving his side a three point advantage which many felt would be sufficient to see them to victory.

Wexford were by no means finished and sub Jack Redmond lifted their challenge with a neat point, but there was still time for more drama. Wexford pressed forward, forcing a free some thirty metres from goal, but the referee brought the ball forward for dissent.

Amidst all the drama as players from both sides struggled for positions, it was veteran Fanning who kept his composure to drive the resulting free high into the net, giving his side a dramatic win.

On the final whistle Walsh suffered the wrath of the visiting crowd as he was booed off the pitch, with stewards giving him an escort to the tunnel, bringing to an end what was a drama packed finish.

The standard of play was not helped by the treacherous conditions with both sides finding control difficult. But it was Antrim who edged into a 0-3 to 0-1 lead assisted by the strong wind, with Sean Elliott providing their scores and Tomas Kinsella responding for the home side.

Wexford came more into the game with Simon Roche accuracy from frees keeping them in contention, while Elliott, Paul Boyle and Conal Cunning kept the Antrim scoreboard ticking over and they led 0-9 to 0-6 at the interval.

As the second half developed both sides were reduced to fourteen players with Gerard Walsh receiving a straight red and Richie Lawlor being shown a second yellow.

The gap was to remain three points, but points from substitute Darren Codd and two Roche pointed frees, had the side level. And then came that storming finish.

Scorers for Wexford: S Roche (0-8, 6 frees, 1 '65), M Manning (1-0 free), C Hearne, J Byrne, T Kinsella, Darren Codd, J Redmond (0-1 each).

Scorers for Antrim: S McElliott (0-7, 6 frees), C Johnston (1-0), C Cunning (0-2), R McCambridge, P Boyle, S Duffin (0-1 each).

Wexford: M Fanning; D Clarke, C Foley, D Carley; N Murphy, R Lawlor, E Wickam; C Hearne (0-1), R Banville; C O'Connor, S Roche, J Byrne; C Byrne, T Kinsella, K Foley.

Subs: C Byrne-Dunbar for O'Connor (52), J Redmond for J Byrne (52), Darren Codd for C Byrne (59), David Codd for Banville (59), D Reck for Hearne (59).

Antrim: D Nugent; E McFerran, P Burke, R McCormick; S McKay, J Maskey, G Walsh; R McCambridge, E O'Neill; S Walsh, P Boyle, S Duffin; S McElliott, J McNaughton, C Cunning.

Subs: C McKeown for Duffin (52); J McLaughlin for McCambridge (59), C Johnston for Elliott (66), R Donaghy for S Walsh (68), J McCloskey for O'Neill (75).

Referee: Thomas Walsh (Waterford).