Wexford FC moved into the First Division play off spots with a rugged and determined 1-0 victory over Treaty United. Recent loan signing and in-form Thomas Oluwa netted just before the interval in what was a gritty and dogged performance from Wexford. This result makes it three wins in a row in all competitions ahead of next Friday’s reunion with Shane Keegan and Cobh Ramblers.
The competitive nature of this match-up was evident within the first ten seconds, when Treaty’s Lee Devitt was booked for what was a horrendously late tackle on the all-action Corban Piper. Luckily Piper escaped the challenge without any consequence and was able to continue.
Both sides found it difficult to assert themselves on the ball with Wexford playing a more direct approach in an effort to utilise the lightning pace of Oluwa in behind. Our best early chance perhaps falling to Luka Lovic who found space in the box from Kian Corbally’s inswinging ball, but he could not direct his effort on target.
Charlie Heffernan was making his return to league action last night, and he put in an extremely mature performance between the sticks. First, Heffernan did well to deny Dean George at his near post following a quick Treaty counter-attack, and then showed good handling by saving a header from the resulting corner.
It took until the 43rd minute for the deadlock to be broken, and it just had to be Oluwa who has been so impressive since making the switch from Waterford. His electrifying pace set him clear of the Treaty backline before nipping the ball around the onrushing Conor Winn and finishing from an acute angle. Wexford FC 1-0 Treaty United.
Chances were at a premium in the second half, with Treaty trying to push on for an equaliser they were unable to find a way past the Wexford backline and Heffernan in goal. In truth Wexford never truly looked like extending their lead either, with perhaps Reece Webb’s drive across goal in stoppage time the closest we came to adding to Oluwa’s opener.
Wexford managed to see the game out relatively comfortably and gain the three points which sees us leapfrog Bray Wanderers into 5th spot, ahead of a massive bank holiday weekend double header. Full time: Wexford FC 1-0 Treaty United.
Wexford FC: Heffernan, Webb, Browne, O’Malley, Lynch, Boyle (C), Piper (Furlong, 59’), Lovic, Corbally (Chambers, 85’), Hanratty (McCann 59’), Oluwa (Kenny, 72’).
Treaty United: Winn, O’Riordan, Ludden, Devitt, George, Christopher, Kirkland, Curran, Tallon, Conroy, Walsh.
Referee: Daniel Murphy.
Assistant Referees: Conor Fitzgibbon, Conor Harkin.
Fourth Official: Alan Patchell.
Match Report: Ethan Lahiff
