Wexford 1-17 Cork 0-22CORK NEEDED a couple of injury-time points from frees by captain John Gardiner and forward Neil Ronan to book a quarter-final place at Páirc Uí Chaoimh yesterday. Lowly Wexford looked like spoiling Cork's 100 per cent record as they showed commendable battling qualities when playing into a strong wind in the second half to almost cause a shock.
You wouldn't have given much for Wexford's chances at half-time. Despite Rory Jacob's 19th-minute goal following a long Ritchie Keogh free, the visitors trailed by 0-11 to 1-7.
But, they showed their hand early in the second half, forcing Cork goalkeeper Anthony Nash to pull off a brilliant double save to frustrate Jacob and David Redmond.
Even after Gardiner and Ronan pointed to leave Cork 0-14 to 1-8 in front Wexford refused to buckle.
Inspired by Malachy Travers in defence and Jacob in attack Wexford not only reeled in Cork but jumped in front to set up an exciting climax.
Points by Jacob and Stephen Nolan edged Wexford 1-15 to 0-16 clear with 12 minutes remaining and Cork were struggling, notably at midfield and in attack.
The introduction of their underage star Pat Horgan seemed to work for the home side - he scored with his first touch - but a poor clearance from Nash at the other end gifted a point for Jacob to leave two points between the teams after 65 minutes.
Cork regained their composure, Ronan settling for a point after trying for a goal and then Cathal Naughton levelling at 0-20 to 1-17 before those injury-time scores finally killed Wexford's stubborn resistance.
In the first half Cork settled quickly, racing three points in front before Wexford settled to claim 1-4 without response.
The teams exchanged points before Cork edged a point clear at the interval.
With wind advantage thereafter, Cork looked well placed to pull away, but Wexford ensured that never quite happened.
CORK:A Nash; S Murphy, S Óg Ó hAilpín, B Murphy; S O'Neill (0-1), J Gardiner (capt, 0-3, all frees),K McGann; T Kenny, L Desmond; F O'Leary, B Corry (0-1), T McCarthy (0-2); C Naughton (0-3), N Ronan (0-10, seven frees), K Canty (0-1). Subs:B O'Connor for O'Leary 43 mins, K Hartnett for Desmond 48 mins, P Horgan (0-1)for Canty 63 mins.
WEXFORD:D Fitzhenry; M Travers, K Rossiter, P Roche; R Keogh, D O'Connor, K Kenny; C Farrell (0-1), T Dwyer (0-1); PJ Nolan (0-2), D Stamp (0-3), D Lyng (0-1);D Redmond, S Nolan (0-4, three frees), R Jacob (1-4). Subs: S Doyle (0-1)for Redmond 58 mins, M Jacob for PJ Nolan 63 mins, E Martin for Stamp 68 mins.
Referee: G Hoey(Clare).
