Without ever moving into top gear, Kerry outclassed Wexford in this disappointing tie at Tralee yesterday. The jaded All-Ireland champions were slow to settle although Maurice Fitzgerald was unlucky to see his flick come off the crossbar after only four minutes.

Indeed, it was Wexford who opened the scoring with a point from centre back Mick Dillon in the 12th minute. They held the lead for eight minutes before Denis Dwyer equalised and the Kerrymen were never headed thereafter.

The Wexford defence, with full back Paul Harrington most prominent, were doing well to hold the Kerry attack to three points before Fitzgerald netted a penalty after Denis Dwyer was fouled after 26 minutes. Referee Niall Barrett had no hesitation in awarding the penalty after Denis Dwyer had been taken down as he attempted to break through on goal.

Kerry led at half-time, 1-4 to 0-2, and drew first blood on the resumption with two quick points from Fitzgerald, one from a free and the other after connecting with a excellent cross from Pa Laide.

The Wexfordmen battled on, with John Harrington and Lee O'Brien putting the Kerry defence under pressure and but for good work by corner back Stephen Stack, in particular, would have got more scores.

Jason Lawlor and O'Brien (two) had points before Eamonn Fitzmaurice ended a 25-minute barren spell for Kerry when he soloed through for their final score two minutes from time.