Flynn fires timely reminder

Waterford full-forward duo, Seamus Prendergast and Paul Flynn vented their anger on the Wexford defence as they helped fashion their side a comfortable victory at Gorey yesterday.

Prendergast struck for two goals in the opening 20 minutes while Flynn, starting his first league game this season, sent out a reminder to manager Gerald McCarthy, finishing with a personal tally of 1-5.

Waterford had their critics following their display against Kilkenny, but whether it was the change of venue, bringing the players an extra 60 miles, or McCarthy's pre-match team-talk, they bounced back with the type of display which leaves them with a real chance of making the knockout stages.

While for Wexford it was a hugely disappointing performance. They showed no real urgency and their confidence seemed to have dropped following their four-point defeat to Tipperary last week.

Waterford enjoyed plenty of possession going two points up inside three minutes through corner-forward John Mullane. Although Paul Codd pulled a point back, the visitors' full-forward Seamus Prendergast got the first of his goals after five minutes from an acute angle. Prendergast again found the net on 19 minutes after rounding Declan Ruth to leave Waterford leading 2-2 to 04.

All of Wexford's first-half points came from Paul Codd with Gary Laffan getting their only other point from play, but Waterford held a comfortable sixpoint interval lead, 2-7 to 0-7.

The second half was a lifeless affair as Waterford assumed total control. Even without Tony Browne who failed a pre-match fitness test, they still managed to control midfield through the quality hurling of Peter Queally and Johnny Brenner, while Seamus Prendergast and Flynn were causing the Wexford full-back line all sorts of problems.

Waterford led 2-8 to 0-8 when they killed off the game after 43 minutes. Ken McGrath won possession in the half-forward line before picking out Flynn unmarked inside the defence, and he shot a marvellous goal from 21 metres.

Although Paul Codd managed to land three pointed frees, Waterford went into the closing minutes firmly in control. Wexford could only manage two second-half points from play, Rory Stafford and substitute Michael Jacob, making it four from play for the game, which demonstrates the dominance of the winners' defence.

Wexford's tale of woe was completed when centre-back Daragh Ryan received a straight red card 15 minutes from the end following a melee in midfield.

It was a game which lacked any real drama but Waterford manager McCarthy was still quite happy. "We set out to achieve a victory. The Kilkenny game was most disappointing and we were determined to put it behind us. That is what we did and we dominated this game for long periods. If brings us right back into the league campaign."

It was a dejected Wexford manager Tony Dempsey who tried to lift his charges after the game. "That was most disappointing. We showed no great urgency and the forward line was totally out of it. It leaves us with much food for thought."

WATERFORD: B Landers; T Feeny, S Cullinane, B Flannery; J Murray, S Frampton, J O'Connor; P Queally, J Brenner; D Bennett, K McGrath (0-3), E Murphy (0-1); J Mullane (0-3), S Prendergast (2-1), P Flynn (1-5, 0-3 frees). Sub: P Prendergast for Bennett.

WEXFORD: D Fitzhenry; C Kehoe, D Ruth, D Guiney; L Dunne, D Ryan, S Flood; A Fenlon, R Stafford (0-1); M Byrne, P Codd (0-10, 0-9 frees), M Jordan; B Goff, L O'Gorman, G Laffan (0-1). Subs: P Finn for Byrne; M Jacob (0-1) for Goff; C McGrath for O'Gorman; T Kelly for Stafford.

Referee: G Harrington (Cork)