THE Offaly and Wexford under-21 hurlers mixed good and bad before emerging deadlocked in this provincial final, played before 6,000 spectators at Dr Cullen Park, Carlow, on Saturday evening.

Wexford, who had already beaten last year's Leinster champions Kilkenny after a replay, must now take the same route if they are to regain the title they last held in 1987.

Wexford's old failing of poor finishing surfaced again in this match as they drove 13 wides to six for a far more economical Offaly side.

Offaly led 0-4 to 0-7 at half time and with each side scoring only a single point in the third quarter, they held the advantage until the 48th minute, when Wexford's Michael Jordan created the opening for a splendid goal for substitute Jason Lawlor.

Offaly substitute Ray Martin then slipped over two points in the space of a minute, however Wexford finished strongly with points from Martin Byrne and P J Carley to bring the sides to a second meeting.