Waterford strike to scratch their seven-year itch

WATERFORD 3-14 WEXFORD 1-18

ON A remarkable day at Innovate Wexford Park, Waterford beat their hosts to secure a first Championship win in seven years.

The visitors were roused into action when they found themselves trailing 0-5 to 0-2 after 13 minutes, and centre-back Shane Ryan got on the end of a sweeping move involving five players to beat keeper Conor Swaine with a low shot to the corner.

Another goal from JJ Hutchinson and points for either side meant it was 2-7 to 0-10 at the interval. With Wexford struggling, Tommy Prendergast took control in midfield. It was the result of his splendid run from deep in midfield that set up sub Joe Allen, who blazed a tremendous shot low past keeper Conor Swaine leaving the eventual winners with a 3-8 to 0-11 lead after 45 minutes.

That lead was stretched to seven points and, just when it looked like a comfortbale ending, Wexford produced a late surge with a goal from Eoghan Porter.

But it was too little too late.