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Allianz HL Div 1B: Wonderful win for Wexford

Wexford continued their excellent start to the year with a win against Galway.

Wexford continued their excellent start to the year with a win against Galway.

Allianz Hurling League Division 1B

WEXFORD 1-21 GALWAY 3-13

By Cian O'Connell at Pearse Stadium

When referee Cathal McAllister blasted the full-time whistle Conor McDonald sped towards Davy Fitzgerald on the sideline.

This was a statement Wexford win worth celebrating as the Model County are generating belief and momentum.

Most importantly of all, though, they are acquiring a winning habit too with a resilient display provided in demanding conditions in Salthill.

Galway, who had introduced Joe Canning to much acclaim, led by six when the Portumna attacker rifled a goal from a penalty two minutes after his entrance to the game.

That major guided Galway 3-12 to 0-15 in front, but Galway were only able to muster one further score in the closing 17 minutes.

During that stint Wexford struck 1-6 including a 57th minute penalty from Mark Fanning which altered the complexion of the game considerably.

McDonald assumed centre stage for the last act rifling over four points as Wexford hit five without reply to earn the spoils.

A physical opening period included two splendid Galway goals which ensured the locals led by 2-7 to 0-11 at the interval.

Wexford led by 0-5 to 0-4 following an interesting opening quarter before Galway pounced for a Joseph Cooney goal in the 16th minute.

David Burke and Niall Morris traded points prior to another productive Galway burst which included points points from Brian Molloy and Conor Cooney.

Wexford selector Seoirse Bulfin and manager Davy Fitzgerald celebrating at Pearse Stadium.

Wexford selector Seoirse Bulfin and manager Davy Fitzgerald celebrating at Pearse Stadium.

Then Joseph Cooney turned provider with a delicious assist for Johnny Coen, who rattled the Wexford net with a precise finish.

Davy Fitzgerald’s Wexford, though, came thundering back as the interval approached reeling off five points on the spin from Lee Chin, Simon Donohoe, Diarmuid O’Keefe, Aidan Nolan, and McDonald.

Wexford continued to battle after the restart, but they were rocked when Canning struck a powerful penalty to give Galway a healthy cushion.

Fitzgerald’s team are a real work in progress with a McDonald free followed by a goal from Fanning and suddenly Wexford only trailed by two.

Colm Callanan’s pointed free proved to be Galway’s final score as Wexford finished with a flourish. Podge Doran narrowed the gap and then McDonald levelled.

Galway were unable to respond and two McDonald frees in stoppage time earned the visitors a precious away win in the west.

**Scorers for Wexford: **Conor McDonald 0-7 (5fs), Mark Fanning 1-0 (1-0 pen), Paul Morris 0-3, Lee Chin 0-3 (2fs), Aidan Nolan 0-2, Barry Carton, David Redmond, Matthew O’Hanlon, Simon Donohoe, Diarmuid O’Keefe, Podge Doran 0-1 each.

Scorers for Galway: Jason Flynn 0-5 (2fs, 165), Joseph Cooney 1-1, Johnny Coen 1-0, Joe Canning 1-0 (1-0 pen) Conor Cooney 0-3, David Burke, Conor Whelan, Brian Moloy 0-1, Colm Callanan (f) 0-1 each.

WEXFORD: Mark Fanning; Eoin Moore, Liam Ryan, James Breen; Simon Donohoe, Matthew O'Hanlon, Diarmuid O'Keefe; Shaun Murphy, Jack O'Connor; Aidan Nolan, David Redmond, Barry Carton; Conor McDonald, Lee Chin, Paul Morris.

Subs: Harry Kehoe for Jack O’Connor (39 mins), Podge Doran for David Redmond (50 mins), Aaron Maddock for Barry Carton (54 mins), Richie Kehoe for Eoin Moore (60 mins), David Dunne for Aidan Nolan (62 mins).

GALWAY: Colm Callanan; Matt Donoghue, Daithi Burke, John Hanbury; Gearoid McInerney, Adrian Tuohy, Aidan Harte; Johnny Coen, David Burke; Jason Flynn, Davy Glennon, Conor Whelan; Conor Cooney, Joseph Cooney, Brian Molloy.

Subs: Joe Canning for Brian Molloy (50 mins), Ronan Burke for Gearoid McInerney (54 mins), Niall Burke for Conor Whelan (70 mins).

REFEREE: Cathal McAllister (Cork).