Lyng fires Model men to semi as Longford blow major chance
CIARAN Lyng hit 1-5 to help Wexford to set Aidan O’Brien’s side up with a Leinster SFC semi-final date with Dublin or Laois.
If they are to have any chance of progressing further, though, then their defensive issues have to be addressed. Aside from coughing up 1-13, Wexford gave Longford a massive amount of chances, but they fired 13 wides and they paid for it.
Chasing a first Leinster semi-final in 26 years, Longford showed plenty of fight but in the crucial moments, when the scores were tied, they made a number of poor decisions.
And Wexford punished them – Lyng, especially, who scored 1-3 from play – including a crucial late point which pushed Wexford back in front. Until then, they were on the rocks. Longford – desperate in the third quarter of this game – put together a late rally, scoring a fine goal through Francis McGee before Sean McCormack equalised with a free.
But Lyng is a class apart and his composure in front of the posts was crucial. He held his nerve. Longford didn’t.
Longford posted four wides in the first 10 minutes, and even though McGee put them in front with the first score of the game, Lyng’s swift reply from a free preceded Daithi Waters’ excellent effort.
By half-time Wexford led by four, Lyng’s goal in the 13th minute coming as he collected Brian Malone’s pass before firing a low shot past Damien Sheridan.
The third quarter also went Wexford’s way as the lead was stretched to four. Midfield continued to be an area of strength with Waters dominant.
Longford needed a lift and they got it from two of their old-reliables – Brian Kavanagh and Paul Barden both splitting the posts. And when McGee got a brilliant goal, it seemed as if Longford might sneak it. But it was not to be.
O’Brien emptied the Wexford bench and that made a significant difference. So did their extra fitness.
Lyng would get a key score and sub Michael O’Regan another as the Model county advanced to yet another semi. Wexford: S Roche; R Tierney, G Molloy, C Carty; M Furlong, B Malone (0-1), A Flynn (0-1); D Waters (0-1), P Byrne; K O’Grady, PJ Banville (0-1), J Holmes; C Lyng (1-5, 2f), B Brosnan (0-3, 2f), R Dempsey (0-2) Subs: T Rossiter for Tierney 56 mins; M O’Regan 0-1 for Byrne 65; E Nolan for Dempsey 64; J Turbitt for Holmes 57; Longford: D Sheridan; D Brady, B Gilleran, F Battrim; C Smith, E Williams (0-1), S Mulligan; J Keegan, M Quinn (0-1); S Doyle, F McGee (1-1), N Mulligan; P Barden (0-3), B Kavanagh (0-2), S McCormack (0-5, 4f) Subs: K Diffley for Keegan 47; M Hughes for Doyle 51; P Foy for N Mulligan 33; B O’Farrell for Brady 48 referee: D Gough (Meath)