Wexford back in business

SFC Qualifier Round Two/ Wexford 0-8 Monaghan 0-6: A hungrier, more committed Wexford deservedly booked their place in the next round of the qualifiers at the expense of a wasteful Monaghan in a hard-hitting and, at times, ugly contest in Clones on Saturday.

Wexford had just six days to recover from their exertions in the Leinster championship semi-final against Offaly but they showed plenty of resolve.

Top scorer Matty Forde gave no indication he was adversely affected by criticism of him over a controversial incident in that game as he played a central role in Wexford's win.

The heavy rain made play difficult for both sides, but Monaghan started well and led by two points after 15 minutes.

Wexford opened their account through Forde in the 22nd minute, and by the 25th minute he had them level, though it took the umpires some time to decide it was a score.

Tom Freeman restored Monaghan's lead, but a brace from Forde as Wexford picked up the tempo saw the visitors edge in front for the first time before Monaghan's Paul Finlay converted a late free to send the sides in level at the break, 0-4 apiece.

Within two minutes of the restart Tom Freeman restored Monaghan's lead, but they were not to score again until a minute into stoppage time as Wexford took control.

Two from Forde, in the 15th and 18th minutes, put Wexford back in front before Monaghan's Paul Finlay's was dismissed on a second yellow card in the 24th minute.

A point from Diarmuid Kinsella extended Wexford's lead as play became very scrappy. Wexford had Eric Bradley sent off late on but there was no way back for Monaghan.

WEXFORD: J Cooper; B Malone, P Wallace, N Murphy; R Barry, D Murphy, D Curtis; R Stafford, D Kinsella (0-1); C Deely, E Bradley (0-1), S Cullen; J Hudson, PJ Banville, M Forde (0-6). Subs: P Colfer for PJ Banville, C Morris for J Hudson, D Fogarty for S Cullen.

MONAGHAN: S Duffy; D McArdle, J Coyle, C Flanagan; D Freeman, G McQuaid, V Corey; E Lennon, D Clerkin; J McElroy, P Finlay (0-1), S Gollogly (0-1); T Freeman (0-3), R Woods, E Duffy. Subs: H McElroy (0-1) for S Gollogly, R Ronaghan for E Duffy, N Corrigan for J McElroy, B McKenna for E Lennon, K Tavey for R Woods.

Referee: F Flynn (Leitrim).