Evans rescues a point for Wexford
AN injury-time equaliser courtesy of substitute Liam Evans earned the Wexford Football League a valuable point in the first game of the FAI Youth inter-league in Ramstown on Saturday.
It is arguable whether it was a deserved equaliser, as Waterford had a number of chances in the second-half to kill the game off.
Nonetheless Evans, who was introduced just three minutes earlier, prodded home to earn what could be an important point for Wexford.
After a positive Model start, where Brandon Sinnott in particular was looking dangerous, Waterford took the lead against the run of play. Centre-back Seán Murphy was caught in possession, leaving Alex Phelan to finish into the roof of the net.
Wexford could have levelled it just two minutes later, in a very similar situation to Waterford’s opener. Stephen Kearns robbed a Déise defender only to shoot wide of the goal.
Waterford shaded the second quarter, and Kieran Sadey, Lee Kavanagh and Darragh Wall all saw efforts fail to trouble Aaron Hall in the Wexford goal.
Yet, there were late signs that Wexford were finding their feet again, as Michael Carroll forced a save from Dan Morrissey as half-time loomed.
One thing this Wexford side appear to have is the ability to score at the right times.
Just like the late equaliser which earned the side a point, they scored the first goal with what was almost the final kick of the first-half. Todd Hynes’ free-kick was fumbled by Morrissey, allowing Nathan O’Connor to finish.
The second-half was more one-sided, as Waterford sought to regain their lead.
Phelan was the first to miss a gilt-edged opportunity after latching onto Sadey’s cross. Phelan turned provider next, playing in Darragh Wall who side-footed wide.
They did regain the lead in the 75th minute. Wall’s cross was finished first time by Sadey, who had timed his run perfectly to meet the well-weighted assist.
The Munster side had chances to put the game to bed, as Wall almost succeeded in chipping Hall in the Wexford net moments before he sliced over from Sadey’s corner.
The Yellowbellies’ late goal was from another set-piece. Hynes’ well-delivered corner dropped in the six-yard box for Evans to react quickest and half-volley home.
Wexford’s second game of the group stage will see them travel to Limerick to play the Limerick Desmond League.
WEXFORD: Aaron Hall; Ryan Furlong, Todd Hynes, Nathan O’Connor, Seán Murphy; Dylan O’Brien, Ethan Vickers (capt.), Michael Carroll, Kevin Kenny, Stephen Kearns; Brandon Sinnott. Subs. - Kieran Murphy for Kenny (60), Niall Connolly for Kearns (70), Leon Nolan-Cullen for Sinnott (86), Liam Evans for Vickers (87), also Liam O’Connor, Paudie Casey, Rhys Doyle. WATERFORD: Dan Morrissey; Favour Eddse, Danny Reynolds (capt.), Tom Carney, Robin Brophy; Kieran Sadey, Luke Kervick, Lee Kavanagh, Daniel Oslunbo; Darragh Wall, Alex Phelan. Subs. - Conor Whittle for Oslunbo (49), also Dylan Swayles, Anthony Brown, Perparsm
Gashi, Peter O’Connor, James Kennedy, Kian Cliffe. REFEREE: Derek Campion (Wexford).