McDermott's goal helps Cavan fire past Wexford

ALL-IRELAND UNDER-21 FC SEMI-FINALS: Cavan 1-10 Wexford 0-8:CAVAN ARE a step closer to their first ever All-Ireland U-21 football crown after they deservedly out-gunned Wexford at Parnell Park on Saturday night.

A strong second half where they outscored Wexford by 1-6 to 0-4 clinched the win and maintained Cavan’s 100 per cent record in All-Ireland U-21 semi-finals, following previous wins in 1988 and 1996.

After only winning the Ulster title late on Wednesday night, there were fears this semi-final came too soon for Cavan.

“We knew we were going to have tired legs but once we got the goal it gave us that little push and we were able to express ourselves better. There has been great character in this side,” said Cavan manager Terry Hyland.

The eventual wides tally of 10-3 told its own sad story for Wexford.

Cavan opened brightly with Kevin Meehan and Michael Brady strong at the back and full forward Niall McDermott looking lethal.

Wexford crept into contention through the hard work of star midfielder Michael O’Regan and attacking wing back Conor Carty. But poor finishing cost them dearly and a Barry Reilly free levelled the match for Cavan at 0-4 apiece at the break.

Just three minutes after the break a long ball into the inside line allowed Jack Brady to set up McDermott who fired to the net for the decisive goal. Wexford had a dream goal chance two minutes later but Emmet Kent screwed his point-blank shot off the post.

With corner forward Jack Brady taking charge up front for Cavan, they were by far the more economical side and had a well disciplined defence led by Oisín Minagh.

CAVAN: A O'Mara; D Barkey, O Minagh, D Tighe; M Leddy K Meehan, M Brady (0-1); G McKiernan (0-1), B Reilly (0-2, free); N Smith (0-1), N Murray, F Flanagan; J Brady (0-3, 0-1 free), N McDermott (1-2), P Leddy. Subs: P King for Leddy (45 mins), T Mooney for M Brady (48 mins), C McClarey for N Smith (50 mins), K Tierney for B Reilly (52 mins), C Smith for P Leddy (58 mins).

WEXFORD: R Farrell; M Furlong, S Gaule, J Breen; D Butler, J Leacy, C Carty (0-5, 0-3 frees); M O'Hanlon, M O'Regan (0-1, free); L Óg McGovern, E Kent, P Kelly; K O'Grady, K Kehoe (0-1), B Halpin. Subs: D Murphy (0-1) for Halpin (40 mins), T Rossiter for K O'Grady (52 mins), C Lane for Breen (53 mins), J Boggan for P Kelly (55 mins), B O'Gorman for Kent (60 mins).

Referee: P O'Sullivan (Kerry).