Kerry end losing run as first half goals key for win over Wexford

BACK TO WINNING WAYS: Two goals inside the opening four minutes proved decisive as Kerry ended their three game losing run with a deserved victory over Kerry FC in this Division 1 game played at Ferrycarrig Park. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

SSE Airtricity First Division: Wexford 1 (Rowe 77’) Kerry 2 (Adams 2’, McQueen 6’)

Two goals inside the opening four minutes proved decisive as Kerry ended their three game losing run with a deserved victory over Wexford in this Division 1 game played at Ferrycarrig Park.

After a promising start with two victories from their opening games Kerry entered this game trying to arrest a dire run of three successive defeats while also trying to arrest a goal drought which has been evident over recent outings.

Wexford in contrast have enjoyed one of their brightest starts to the league being just three points off leaders Dundalk, with a game in hand. Manager Stephen Elliott has managed a positive response from his young side, hoping to build on last week's victory over Treaty Utd.

The visitors made light of their goal drought from previous games as they hit the homeside for two goals inside the opening four minutes.

The opening goal arrived as early as the second minute coming at the end of a move that split open the home side's back four. Ronan Teahan and Sean McGrath linked up to pick out the unmarked Christopger McQueen on the right edge of the area. McQueen showed neat control before placing a delightful ball across the keeper into the opposite corner of the net.

The second goal arrived two minutes later. Wexford failed to deal with a fine Luke Palmer ball with the result Joseph Adams forced the ball over the line from close giving the visitors a shock 0-2 lead.

Wexford gradually came into the game with both Kaylem Garnett and Calum Dlynn having efforts just go over the top but Kerry would have been happy going in with a 2-0 interval lead.

Wexford continued to struggle through the opening minutes of the second half with Kerry looking the more composed side continually pressing forward.

Both Luke Palmer and Joseph Adams had attempts on goal blocked away to safety but even at the his stage it was obvious that Kerry were content to protect their two goal league.

Wexford began to show more control resulting in pulling a goal back on 75 minutes. Kaylem Harnett gad a fine shot parried by keeper Hiemer, but Mikie Rowe was on hand to score from close range making it 1-2 Wexford's efforts for an equaliser failed to bring that much needed goal, and they were reduced to ten players when Darragh Levingstone was dismissed on a second yellow card.

Wexford FC: Paul Martin, James Crawford, Josh Lyons (Darragh Dunnev72), Robert McCourt, Dean Larkin, Mikie Rowe, Darragh Levingston, Harry Cromack (Filip Wasileski 65), Calum Flynn, Kaylem Harnett Ryan Kelly (Mark Imrin 62).

Kerry FC: Tim Oliver Hierner Alex Dunne, Sean O'Connell, Oran Crowe, Christopher Mc Queen Sean McGrath, Ronan Teahan Joseph Adams (Kevin Williams 82), Okwuy Okwute, Luke Palmer, Niall Brookwell.

Referee: Darragh White.