Hopes Fade for O’Dwyer's Wicklow After Wexford Defeat

A goal against the wind and against the run of play eight minutes from the break was the score that decided this hard-fought but low-scoring game at Aughrim on Sunday.

Mick O’Dwyer was hoping to get his new-look team back on the winning track in this game but in the end he could have no complaints about the result.

The absence of Paul Earls left a gaping hole up front and try as they might, the selectors could not plug that gap.

It was in the first half that the St Patrick’s club man was missed most. Wicklow had the wind in their backs but made poor use of that advantage and were hanging on to a single point lead when wing forward Ciarán Dealey struck for the only goal of the match.

That score was enough to send Wexford in leading by 1-2 to 0-3 at half time.

Mattie Forde had the first point from a free but Tony Hannon levelled from play.

Ford pointed another free but Tommy Gill levelled again after a foul on Hannon.

Both sides were having trouble with a strong, swirling wind and were making hard work of scoring, Wexford in particular missing some easy frees.

Deely’s goal came at a crucial time and proved to be the last score of the first half.

The captain John Slattery got Wicklow off to a good start in the second half with a point in the first minute but U21 star PJ Banville grabbed a point for Wexford.

Wicklow’s next score did not come for a full 33 minutes and in between Ford, Banville and Ciarán Lyng added points for Wexford.

Substitute Don Jackman got the last point of the match in the 39th minute of the half.

Mick O’Dwyer would not be too happy with this display. However he is still team building and introduced three more newcomers, Damien Power, Rory Finn and Mick McLoughlin for this match and brought a fourth, Gary Duffy, on at half-time.

Of the seasoned players Dara " hAnnaidh, Alan Byrne and Leighton Glynn were best in defence.

Wicklow never got into the game at midfield but sub Paddy Dalton, Tony Hannon and Tommy Gill worked hard in attack.

Subs Don Jackman and Stevie Cush, both from Coolkenno, also impressed when introduced.

Wicklow’s next match is away to Waterford.

WICKLOW: Ray Daniels; Ciaran Hyland, Dara O’hAnnaidh, Alan Byrne; Mick McLoughlin, Damien Power, Leighton Glynn; James Stafford, Barry O’Donovan; Rory Finn, John Slattery(0-2), JP Dalton; Tommy Gill (0-1), Keith Byrne(0-1), Tony Hannon (0-1). Subs: Paddy Dalton for Finn; Gary Duffy for Power, Stevie Cush for McLoughlin; Don Jackman for K.Byrne.

REF: Maurice Deegan (Laois).