Wexford have beaten Dublin in a thriller in the Allianz National Hurling League at Croke Park this evening, running out winners on a scoreline of 2-14 to 1-18.
It was a hard fought contest, with both side remaining close throughout. A goal from Mark Fanning via a penalty brought the game to life in the 30th minute.
"He's playing the man and not the ball"
"It is a free and it's inside the box - it's a penalty"#GAA #AllianzLeagues #MatchNightLive pic.twitter.com/nL5Gq3XJdq— eir Sport (@eirSport) February 22, 2020
Despite this, Dublin would take a two-point advantage into the interval.
The second half was full of drama, with three red cards and a late goal ensuring we witnessed a grandstand finish.
Conor McDonald received a straight red card in the 54th minutes , but many thought it seemed slightly harsh. He caught Paddy Smyth across the midriff as he was running with the ball.
Red Card for Wexford 🟥
A straight red card for Conor McDonald!#GAA #AllianzLeagues #MatchNightLive pic.twitter.com/5Q3ROLt1XZ— eir Sport (@eirSport) February 22, 2020
If hurling is gonna be played like Wex Dub was reffed tonight we may as well forget about it. This is what you get when people who don’t know the game are trying to interpret the rules Let the game flow ,it’s a warrior sport with hits and physical challenges don’t ruin it please!
— Rory Jacob (@RoryJacob) February 22, 2020
Davy Fitzgerald's side were reduced to 13 men with a few minutes to go, seemingly ending their chances of securing the two points.
Wexford down to 13 men 🟥
Is it too tough a task with under 5 minutes to go?#GAA #AllianzLeagues #MatchNightLive pic.twitter.com/ZUu5gEPUjs— eir Sport (@eirSport) February 22, 2020
However, they were given some hope Eoghan O'Donnell was was shown a red card a few moments later.
He got a second yellow after he was adjudged to have bundled Jack O'Connor over the advertising boards behind the goal.
This would prove crucial, with O'Connor going on to have a decisive say in the result. He popped up with a stunning solo goal to give his side the lead late on, an advantage they would hang onto in the closing stages.
GOAL 🟣🟡
Jack O'Connor with an outrageous solo goal to put the Yellow-Bellies in the lead!
What a comeback from Wexford 😳👏#GAA #AllianzLeagues #MatchNightLive pic.twitter.com/LuWYoKcqNw— eir Sport (@eirSport) February 22, 2020
Both teams would trade scores in additional time, but Wexford would hold out for a narrow victory.
