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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…

Mon Jul 10 2006 - 01:00

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.

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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).