Meath qualified for the final of the Leinster Junior Football Championship at Croke Park yesterday, overcoming a determined Wexford challenge.

In a game dominated by scrappy play and bad passing, Meath's Barry Lynch opened the scoring with a fine point in the first minute. Wexford countered with a Eamonn Whelan pointed free but Meath hit back quickly with a free from Daithi Whyte.

Despite amassing a tally of 10 wides, Wexford managed to keep in touch and their efforts were rewarded with a goal in added-time from an Enda Newport spot kick after Meath's Ronan Sheridan had fouled Paddy Colter.

Meath started the second half in determined fashion and points from Daithi Regan, Gary Rogers and Whyte gave them a one-point lead.

Wexford hurler Damian Fitzhenry was moved up into the attack where he caused many problems and it was a foul on him that led to Newport levelling the game.

A well orchestrated move involving Lynch, Alan Fox and Regan resulted in a point for Meath, but once again Wexford were quick to respond and a searing run by Fitzhenry resulted in another penalty award which Newport blasted past John Curry to level things again. In an exciting final few minutes, the result was in the balance before Martin Reilly put the issue beyond doubt with a late free.

Wexford: T English, C Tynan (0-1), F Wallace, D Stafford, D Fitzhenry (0-1), R Hassey, P Curtis, D Foley, B Doyle, E Doyle, P Colfer, E Newport (2-3), E Whelan (0-3), P Butler, T Kavanagh. Subs: M Byrne for Butler; E Bradley for E Doyle; P Murray for B Doyle; D Keating for Kavanagh; C Redmond for Byrne.

Meath: J Curry, R Sheridan, R Rennicks, B Moyles, R Kierans, I McManus (0-1), N Horan (0-1), J Farrelly, G Rogers (0-1), M Reilly (0-3), B Lynch (0-2), D Whyte (0- 3), D Regan (0-3), M Doran (0-2), A Fox. Subs: B Perry for Sheridan; S McLaughlin for Rennicks.

Referee: S Sheridan (Westmeath).