Hopefully criticism will provoke strong response in Croker

WEXFORD SENIOR footballers finished off their league campaign with a disappointing defeat to neighbours Carlow at Netwatch Cullen Park last Sunday. Yet again management took the opportunity to introduce a raft of changes, giving more game time and experience to some of the players pushing for inclusion in the first 15. Many supporters are complaining that too many changes and the resulting losses will have a detrimental effect on the team going forward.

They feel that a team on a winning run should do all it can to continue with that momentum. I can understand the frustration with the manner of the defeats but you have to look at the bigger picture.

With promotion and a place in the league final guaranteed, these games were the perfect opportunity to test out players. I was surprised at the extensive amount of changes for the Westmeath game, but I don’t think the result will have a bearing on the game next Saturday.

There will, however, be added pressure on the players picked to perform, as barring any injuries they will be seen as Wexford’s first 15. When you look at the names likely to appear back on the teamsheet, their collective experience will be vital.

The return of Shane Roche, Brian Malone, Ciarán Lyng, Michael Furlong, Ben Brosnan and Daithí Waters will bring comfort to the supporters and strength to the team. I think Seamus McEnaney and David Murphy targeted this game a while ago as a means of finding out the level their team is at and how much they have improved.

Westmeath have been well ahead of us over the last few years and will be seen as a big scalp to take. The Wexford cupboard is not overflowing with cups and medals, so a national title would be a great confidence booster at this stage of the team’s development.

Some people underestimate the importance of the league but it has grown in relevance in recent times. Look at what it has done for Wexford hurlers this season with their brilliant performances against teams we couldn’t beat for the last few years.

In both grades the league is more entertaining and less predictable than the championship, and attendances over the last two months have confirmed that.

Westmeath have to be favourites for Saturday although the bookies have not been really influenced by Wexford’s last two defeats, as their odds are predicting a close encounter. Westmeath have steamrolled through the division and had the luxury of taking off John Heslin and Ger Egan at half-time against London last Sunday to keep them fresh for the final.

So far they have scored 14 goals in the campaign to Wexford’s three and finished top with a scoring difference of plus 78 points. The closest winner of another Division was Dublin who won with a plus 43 difference, of course against superior opposition, but it just shows the scoring power that Westmeath have.

I think Banty and Co. have something up their sleeve for the final on Saturday but the big problem for Wexford is how they curb the goalscoring threat of their opponents and of course how to stop Heslin.

I think the panel will have been stung by the criticism over the past few weeks and will put in a big performance to shock our opponents from the Lake county.

A big congratulations must go to the St. Peter’s College team and mentors for their performances throughout the year. Last Saturday was a frustrating day as the early disallowed goal (a ridiculous decision) and some strange refereeing throughout affected their momentum at important stages of the game.

St. Brendan’s are great champions though and had some superb footballers on their team. It was a proud day for all involved and an experience that will stay in their memory forever.

Some may never get the chance to play there again but hopefully the occasion will inspire them all to become better players and grace the pitch in Croke Park on many more occasions.