Experimental ladies lose

WITH NOTHING on the line, Wexford were able to dig deep into their extended squad and use plenty of different options in their final Lidl Ladies’ National Football League Division 3 group game in Clonbullogue on Sunday.

The result was a first defeat of the season, but in reality it proved to be a thoroughly worthwhile exercise with a debut for Amy Wilson, as well as extra minutes for a bunch of squad players and returning youngsters.

Wexford burst into an early 1-2 to 0-3 lead in the opening quarter. Chantelle Martin dropped a freekick under the crossbar and Fiona Rochford added a couple of points to see the visitors off to a fast start.

However, the second quarter belonged to the home side as Anthony Masterson’s charges missed a string of chances and their opponents roared back with 1-3 to go in at the interval 1-6 to 1-3 ahead.

It felt like Wexford were always playing catch-up in the second-half as, every time they got level, back came Offaly.

Caitríona Murray netted the second Wexford goal after being fed by Rochford early in the second period.

The Slaneysiders fell behind again but dragged themselves level at 3-6 to 2-9 after Rochford turned in a rebound after Aoife Sheil’s shot was initially stopped.

However, the game up after two quick Offaly majors fired them clear into the last few minutes.

Wexford kept battling away and managed to get within four points at the final whistle.

Substitute Rachel Bennett collected Murray’s pass, raced past her marker and dispatched to the net to end an impressive cameo with 1-1.

This result will be quickly forgotten as, having finished top of the table, fourth-placed Kildare are on the horizon in the Division 3 semi-final.

That game will be played at a neutral venue on the weekend of April 21, with the winners advancing to the final opposite either Meath or Down.

Wexford: Sinéad Whelan; Shauna Murphy, Maria Byrne, Marguerite Doyle; Sarah Harding-Kenny, Niamh Mernagh, Niamh Butler; Lauren Cousins, Kellie Kearney (0-1); Anne Byrne, Fiona Rochford (1-4), Ciara Ryan; Chantelle Martin (1-0 free), Caitríona Murray (1-2), Fiona Bennett. Subs. Rachel Bennett (1-1) for F. Bennett, Aisling Murphy for Martin, Aoife Sheil for Ryan, Amy Wilson for Byrne, Bernie Breen for Kearney, Róisín Murphy for Butler.