Meath book semi-final spot with hard-fought win over Wexford
Cathal O'Bric's side got to grips with the Yellowbellies in the last 15 minutes and booked their spot in the u-20 Leinster FC semi-final.
Meath 0-3-14 (20)
Wexford 2-1-8 (16)
Tom Gannon
A well-drilled Wexford side proved to be a tough test for Cathal O'Bric's Meath, but the Royals produced a strong last 15 minutes to seal their spot in the u-20 Leinster FC semi-final. It was by no means a classic encounter but the current champions, Meath, will certainly benefit from the way they grinded out the victory on Wednesday evening in Ashbourne.
With 15 minutes remaining, the sides were level on the scoreboard but it was the visitors who looked stronger. In particular, Meath had not had much luck breaking down a strong Wexford defensive system. Wexford's individual defenders were coming out on top of their battles with the talented Meath forwards.
However, Meath got to grips with the contest and were able to rattle off an impressive tally of 0-10 in the final 15 minutes. Despite conceding two goals in this period, Meath saw the game out relatively well and two-pointers from Rian Stafford, Michael McIvor and John Harkin proved crucial in the run-in.
Wexford made a strong start to the contest and after eight minutes led by 0-3 to 0-1 courtesy of points from Brian Roban, Shane Reddy and James Lawless. Meath opening score came from Harkin who was assisted by Zach Thornton.
The Royals drew level after two points in quick succession from Tadgh Martin and Jamie Murphy. Ben Corkery and Dean Hillis traded blows before a Rory Gilbert mark gave Wexford a 0-5 to 0-4 lead after 15 minutes.
Murphy's second point drew the sides level again before a Rian Stafford score handed Meath the advantage for the first time after 20 minutes. Wexford responded well though and a two-pointer from Lawless regained the lead for the Yellowbellies.
That Wexford score was followed up a minute later by a goal chance for Darren Rossitter. Although Rossitter fumbled the opportunity, Meath failed to clear their lines and Hillis tapped over to put two points between the sides.
A Stafford free in the 26th minute reduced the gap back to the minimum and at the interval, Wexford held a 0-8 to 0-7 lead.
Stafford made a bright start to the second-half and rattled off two points inside the opening three minutes. Midfielder, Tom Funge, who caused the Royals a lot of issues throughout, broke the line of defence and drew the sides level again.
Zach Thornton set up Murphy for his third point before Harkin put Meath ahead on the 45th minute. Thornton kicked the Royals two points clear as they led 0-12 to 0-10 with 14 minutes left.
Against the run of play, A long ball in from Wexford's wing forward, Brian Roban was fisted to the back of the net by Rory Gilbert. Meath responded very well though and a two-point free from Stafford regained the lead before Corkery put Meath 0-15 to 1-10 up with 10 minutes left.
Moment's later, Harkin hit Meath's second two-pointer, however, whether the St Peter's man was inside or outside the arc was questionable. There was no doubts over McIvor's long-range two-point effort which gave Meath a six-point advantage with three minutes remaining.
Corkery then put Meath seven points to the good and Wexford had to go in search of goals. An injury-time net-finder from substitute, Jason Sheridan, transpired to be nothing more than a consolation for Wexford as Meath sealed their semi-final spot against Kildare which will take place next Tuesday evening at Ashbourne.
Meath - Matthew Kealy; Sam Jordan, Rian Early, Ciaran O'Hare; Tadgh Martyn (0-1), Finn White, Fiach Hartigan; Eamonn Armstrong, Michael McIvor (0-2 one two-point); Rian Stafford (0-6 three frees, one two-point free), John Harkin (0-4 one two-point), Zach Thornton (0-1); Ben Corkery (0-3), Jamie Murphy(0-3), Liam Jennings. Subs - Cillian Yore for White 42m, Michael O'Sullivan for Jennings 49m, Conor O'Brien for Thornton 58m, Aaron Farrelly for Gilbert 60m.
Wexford - William Foley; Tom Cummins, James Kenny, Ruairi Martin; Shane Reddy (0-1), Darragh Dee, Mikey Hughes; Tom Funge (0-1), Fionn Kavanagh; Brian Roban (0-1), Cathal Kehoe, James Lawless (0-3, one free, one two-point); Rory Gilbert (1-1 one mark), Dean Hillis (0-3), Darren Rossitter. Subs - Sean Fitzharris for Cummins 45m, Harry Murphy for Rossitter 53m, Jason Sheridan (1-0) for Lawless 60m.
Referee - Lee Moore (Kildare)