Wexford Youths 1 - 0 Waterford United

• Brendan White
• Sat, May 15 2010


Wexford Youths snatched all three points against Waterford United with a 92nd minute winner in Friday night’s south east derby in Ferrycarrig Park.

A very uneventful first half passed off without many clear cut opportunities. Just on the half hour, The Youths had their first chance as Gary Sheahan raced past Konopka but couldn’t get his shot on target.

Just before half time Danny Furlong had a chance but Liam Kearney got his block in just in time. The first half faded out with the final ball letting both sides down.

Eight minutes into the second half Waterford created their first chance, but Packie Holden saved well from a low Liam Kearney strike.

Kevin Rowe then went close for Wexford but, after making good progress from the touchline, he blazed just wide of Chris Konopka far post. The Youths were starting to control the game, using the large number of men behind the ball, with Waterford failing to break them down.

Waterford’s best chance arrived 15 minutes before full time. George O’Callaghan managed to find himself in space 12 yards out, but his shot was somehow deflected for a corner, when a strike on goal seemed almost a certainty.

Substitute David Grincell then tested Holden in the Wexford goal, but his shot from the edge of the penalty area was easily saved by the ex-Blues keeper.

The only goal of the game arrived in the final minute, but not without a little controversy. Paul McCarthy and John Kearney appealed for a free kick just outside the penalty area, but Referee Graham Kelly waved play on. Jimmy Keohane collected the ball and got his shot away toward goal. The ball deflected off two Waterford defenders and bounced over Chris Konopka who had already committed to dive low, only to see the ball bounce over him and into the bottom corner.

It was harsh on Waterford when in reality neither side had done enough to claim all three points, though the Youths created more chances throughout. The full time whistle was greeted by cheers from a healthy Wexford crowd, while Waterford fans vented their anger toward match Referee Kelly.

The wins moves The Youths up into 7th place, while Waterford are now four points behind Derry City, but now with Cork City and Limerick closing in on second place.

Wexford Youths: Holden, Russell, D. Broaders (Sinnott 93'), Breen, Wolfe, Malone, Keohane, Dempsey, Furlong, Sheahan, Rowe (Kenny 86')
Yellow Cards: Sheahan

Waterford United: Konopka; P. Carey, A. Carey, J. Kearney, L Kearney; Purcell (O’Sullivan HT), McCarthy, O’Callaghan, Waters; Sullivan (Grincell 75'), Kiely (Cambridge 66') – subs: Burns, Dunphy.
Yellow Cards: O'Callaghan

Referee: Graham Kelly (Cork)