PROMOTION UP FOR GRABS
Footballers earn winner-takes-all clash with Wicklow
ONE BY one they began to fall away, with new Wexford manager Shane Roche having eventually to settle on facing Limerick in their crucial Allianz Football League game without four of his squad owing to Covid-19 restrictions.
The available players made the long journey to Rathkeale individually by car on Sunday morning to comply with regulations.
And it came at the end of a very strange week, with no worthwhile preparation beforehand as the county’s footballers and hurlers awaited results of Covid-19 testing.
Speaking on Sunday night, having returned home after the long round-trip and his first game in charge, Roche was thrilled with the response of his players and the manner in which they coped with the evolving situation throughout the week.
Roche admitted there was a big responsibility on team management to ensure they complied with Covid-19 regulations.
‘All week we complied with the guidelines as laid down. We also travelled individually by car to the game in order to adhere to all guidelines. We travelled short of four players, who were complying with Covid-19 guidelines, but as the week progressed we had learned how to cope with the situation,’ he said.
‘The players were happy, they took everything on board and complied with the guidelines, but it was a difficult day given the journey on the morning of the game.
‘We arrived early, got in a good warm-up, and had a talk with the players to make sure everyone was ready. The players were delighted to be back, everyone was delighted, so we made sure that we gave it one hundred per cent.’
And amid all the doom and gloom, there was something bright at the end of the 70-plus minutes for the Wexford footballers.
‘We are delighted with the win. This is a very difficult place to travel to and come away with two points, particularly as Limerick are a very good side. Limerick went into the game knowing a win would ensure them promotion, but our response was so positive,’ Roche said.
‘We had a great start, the players showed real grit and determination. We had a testing week, with no training or preparation, but we were determined to have a good start to the game.
‘We went into a 0-6 to 0-1 lead which gave us a cushion, but the lads worked so hard. The defence was excellent, midfield was winning possession, while the forwards were varying their game. We moved the ball with pace and accuracy, leaving the forwards to create a lot of problems for the home defence.
‘The goal just before half-time, while fortuitous, was crucial. It was fitting that Daithí Waters scored it on his one hundredth appearance
for his county. A real warrior.’
Roche admitted that the long journey adversely affected the side’s third quarter display.
‘The third quarter saw us begin to lose kick-outs. That was creating a problem so we introduced fresh legs. That enabled us to win more of the breaking ball, and both James Stafford and Nick Doyle had a huge impact when brought in.
‘Look, the challenge was laid down and we responded. We
finished the game strongly, but still had a few scares in the closing stages. Pa Doyle brought off two superb saves, but you need breaks in games like this to get over the line.
‘We were made fight to the end, but this was a tremendous team effort. Philip (Wallace) had done great work with the backs, while Declan (Browne) has worked tremendously well with the forwards.
‘It was just so nice to get the victory after that week we experienced,’ Roche added.
Now he is looking forward to their winner-takes-all game with Wicklow at Chadwicks Wexford Park on Saturday (2 p.m.).
‘I saw some of the Wicklow win over Antrim. They are a big, strong, well-organised side, who have improved considerably. It will be a huge game as the winner will be promoted and crowned Division 4 winners.
‘That’s huge for both sides. We are determined to make the best of this opportunity. To have Division 3 football next season would be a huge boost.
‘It’s a game we are looking forward to as promotion is our number one goal, although the sides will meet in the championship seven days later.’
Roche said they will return to squad training tonight (Tuesday).
‘We will have the full squad back. All the missing players will be available. This will create competition for places.
‘As a management team we want competition for not just the starting 15 but also the subs. That’s what will bring improvement as such competition is crucial.
‘It’s a game we are looking forward to. The only pity is that we cannot have supporters but we will go with what is a safe environment for everyone. That’s essential as we all carry a big responsibility, but Wexford footballers adhered to all the Covid-19 guidelines.
‘We will now hopefully build on the Limerick victory, enjoy the game and win promotion,’ he added. Wexford have no injury concerns ahead of the game. ALLIANZ FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION 4