Sport

Offaly see off spirited revival

OFFALY...1-18 WEXFORD..

Mon Mar 29 2004 - 01:00

OFFALY...1-18 WEXFORD...2-11: Offaly held off a spirited late challenge by Wexford to take home the points in this crucial league game at Birr, yesterday.

The home side looked to be in the driving seat when they led by seven points following a goal from Damien Murray 12 minutes from time. However, the Slaneysiders struck with two late goals, from MJ Furlong, the substitute's second arriving two minutes into injury time.

However, Offaly had done just enough to hold on to the points, the home side being spearheaded by solid displays from the Hanniffy brothers, Rory and Gary, who finished with 10 points between them, Rory taking the lion's share with nine points.

Offaly led by three points at half time, 0-9 to 0-6, although both sides were guilty of profligacy with several good chances going wide.

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By the close of the third quarter Offaly had increased their advantage, stretching out to five points in front, 0-14 to 0-9. Wexford then hit a brace of points to narrow the gap before Offaly struck with their only goal, Joe Brady knocking down to fellow clubman Murray to shoot the home side back into a comfortable lead.

Wexford pulled a goal back two minutes later when MJ Furlong kicked to the net and a series of scores, including a Brian Whelehan 65, pushed the home side out in front as the clock wound down. Wexford then struck a second goal deep in injury time, but Offaly were able to secure the points.

OFFALY: B Mullins, B Teehan, M O'Hara, D Franks, K Brady, B Whelehan (0-1, '65'), C Cassidy, N Mannion, N Coughlan (0-1), G Hanniffy (0-1), R Hanniffy (0-9, 6 frees), B Murphy (0-1), M Cordial (0-2), J Brady, B Carroll (0-3). Subs: D Murray (1-0) for N Mannion; R McRedmond for M Cordial.

WEXFORD: D Fitzhenry, M Travers, D Ryan, C Kehoe, W Doran, D Ruth (0-1), J O'Connor, R Stafford (0-1), R McCarthy (0-1), B Goff, A Fenlon, M Jacob, M Jordan, P Carley (0-7, 1 free, 65), R Jacob. Subs: B Lambert (0-1) for B Goff; MJ Furlong (2-0) for A Fenlon; D O'Connor for J O'Connor; P Donoghue for D Ruth; L Murphy for R Jacob.

Referee: A MacSuibhne (Dublin).