Wexford come from behind to defeat Treaty 

SSE Airtricity First Division: Treaty United 1 (Lynch 52') Wexford 3 (Rowe 59', Dobbs 65', Harnett 79')

Three goals in less than twenty second-half minutes saw Wexford tighten their grip on a play-off spot and effectively end Treaty Untied’s outside hopes of a top five spot. Despite falling behind early in the second half, James Keddy’s men pounced on the hosts mistakes to claim the points.

With little between these sides in the three previous meetings, it was perhaps unsurprising that the sides cancelled each other out. The second-half, however, was far more when compared to the opening forty-five minutes. Lee-J Lynch’s goal appeared to awaken Wexford who’d done most of the defending in the opening hour.

The first half was a tense affair. Aaron Dobbs drew a routine save from Corey Chambers in the home goal, while at the other end, the ball was cleared off the Slaneysiders line after Lee Devitt’s shot was deflected away by Conor Levingston.

A scoreless first half was not without controversy. Wexford keeper Conor Walsh received a yellow card on 35 minutes when he clawed a poor Ethan Boyle back-pass away. The ball looked certain to find the net – and after consulting with his assistant referee, match official Lucas Keating awarded an in-direct free-kick to the Limerick side and a yellow card to the keeper.

United wanted a red card, but this offence isn’t deemed as the denial of a goalscoring opportunity. There was also doubt if Boyle’s calamitous pass was destined for the net. Enda Curran’s effort from six-yards was denied by one of the 11 men on the goal-line.

The opening goal arrived on 52 minutes. Lynch has transformed the midfield for Tommy Barrett’s men since signing for his hometown club in July. He pounced after Thomas Considine’s cross was deflected into his path just inside the penalty area.

However, the visitors reply was swift and effective. Cometh the hour, cometh the man. Half-time sub, Mikie Rowe, was sharpest to a loose ball after Dobbs’ dribble was halted, to blast home the equaliser.

Just five minutes later Chambers spilled a close-range header from Dobbs, and the attacker pounced to take full advantage. The third goal, from sub-Kaylem Harnett, came after ping-pong in the box, which Treaty failed to adequality clear.

The sides meet in a huge FAI Cup clash next month, with Wexford the hosts for that quarter-final tie.

Elsewhere, Bray defeated Athlone Town with Guillermo Almirall Penalver scoring in the 76th minute. UCD overcame Finn Harps with goals from Harry Curtis and Michael Raggett. 

Treaty United: Chambers; R Lynch, O’Connor, O’Riordan (C), O’Reilly (Conroy 72); Considine (Vrljicak 72), L Lynch, Devitt, Healy (A Byrne 72), Christopher (Tarmey 87); Curran (Mahdy 72).

Wexford: Walsh; Temple, McHale, Crawford; Ismala, Levingston, Boyle, Corbally (Harnett 78), Curtis (Rowe ’46); Lovic, Dobbs.

Referee: Lucas Keating