League Report: Wexford FC 2 - 2 Waterford FC

Junior Quitirna was on target for Waterford in their derby draw against Wexford

Junior Quitirna was on target for Waterford in their derby draw against Wexford Credit: Peter Fitzpatrick (ETPhotos)

Aisling Hannon reports from Ferrycarrig Park

The South East derby ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw in Ferrycarrig Park on Friday night with both teams having chances to make the score-line even more dramatic. Wexford made two changes to the side that were defeated by Dundalk in the FAI Cup last week, the latter were subsequently drawn against tonight’s visitors Waterford FC in the quarter-finals. 

The first half was bursting with pace from both sides throughout, both equally as eager to get a result from this fixture, with Wexford starting the night four points behind the play-off places. Waterford’s Phoenix Patterson was a constant threat down the wing with Eoin Farrell being kept on his toes to keep the impressive playmaker at bay.

An excellent opportunity at goal came from Wexford in the 15th minute when Conor Crowley played the ball up the field in plenty of space before getting it out to Thomas Considine on the left. The latter squared the ball to summer signing Ger Shortt who attempted a back-heel which was saved by Waterford’s Paul Martin. A plucky but very close contender. 

Darragh Power played impressively on both ends of the pitch, with a super chance on goal when he headed the ball from a cross not long after clearing the ball from the quick feet of Considine near the Waterford box. Phoenix Patterson was another threat for the Wexford defence, who worked tirelessly to keep his dazzling shots and powerful runs away from the danger area.

The visitors had a great chance to make it 1-0 in the 34th minute when their number nine, Wassim Aouachria, was left in acres of space in front of goal before cutting around Wexford’s Alex Moody who came off his line to try and get a hand to the ball. With an open goal waiting for the ball to be placed, Jordon Tallon kicked it out of danger just in time to keep the score level. 

Wexford’s Conor Barry made an impressive return to the starting XI and had chances to help his side take the lead. A shot from range near the half time whistle warmed the gloves of Martin with a similar attempt early in the second half.

The deadlock was broken in the 52nd minute when Waterford’s Junior Quitirna was fouled just outside the box by Crowley, Quitirna taking ownership of the free kick awarded and placing it beautifully into the net. The Blues were eager to make it a second shortly after, with another foul in the same area leading to a second free kick with the attempt flying high over the bar. 

Roland Idowu made it 2-0 to Waterford just seven minutes later after the ball was crossed into the midfielder who tapped it in at close range to make it a comfortable lead. Both teams continued to press with a tense atmosphere building and it wasn’t long before Wexford were awarded a penalty after a collision in the box. Galway native Conor Barry stepped up to calmly place the ball past Martin to make it 2-1. 

Wexford skipper Joe Manley played with vivid composure in the closing stages of the game, doing well to keep Waterford at bay from their continuous threatening play. The defender had a chance at goal himself when the ball was whipped into the box from a corner kick, Manley got his head to it but couldn’t find the net.



Wexford substitute Adam Wells played in a fantastic cross on the 83rd minute which met striker Aaron Dobbs, who was waiting in front of goal and knocked it in to level the score at 2-2. Dobbs was visibly a threat from the time he came off the bench, his strength being of great benefit when being faced with Waterford’s back line. The Wexford native had a chance again shortly afterwards to increase the score line, but Waterford had him easily handled.

A late scare for the home side came within the five minutes of added time when Waterford striker Aouachria was on the attack, forcing Moody to come off his line and rely on good luck for the dangerous number nine to scramble his attempt, Wexford’s prayers ultimately being answered. Another chance from Aouachria came shortly afterwards but the shot was scuffed wide as the referee blew for full time.

Waterford finish the night in third place with the gap between Wexford and Treaty United now stretched to six points after the Limerick side defeated Cobh Ramblers in Markets Field on Friday night. 

Wexford: Alex Moody; Thomas Considine, Joseph Manley, Len O'Sullivan (Adam Wells 68), Jordan Tallon; Conor Barry (Conor Davis 86), Conor Crowley (Paul Cleary 55), Eoin Farrell, Harry Groome (Luke Scanlon 68), Luka Lovic; Ger Shortt (Aaron Dobbs 55).

Subs not used: Shay O'Leary, Mitchell Byrne, Lorcan Fitzgerald, Dinny Corcoran.

Booked: Harry Groome (63).



Waterford: Paul Martin; Killian Cantwell, Dean Larkin (Timi Sobowale 86), Darragh Power; Yassine En-Neyah, Shane Griffin, Roland Idowu, Junior Quitirna, Tunmise Sobowale; Wassim Aouachria, Phoenix Patterson.

Subs not used: Dara Kavanagh, Harvey Warren, Jeremie Milambo, Sam Norval, Callum Stringer, Romeo Akachukwu, Owen Oseni.

Booked: Yassine En-Neyah (65) .

Referee: Kevin O’Sullivan

Attendance: 818

extratime.com Player of the Match: Darragh Power (Waterford)


 

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