Keith Rossiter full of praise for Wexford after 'massive' victory over Waterford

Wexford manager Keith Rossiter described their victory over Waterford as "massive" as the Yellowbellies maintained their unbeaten run in the 2024 Allianz Hurling League.

Making the short trip to Walsh Park with three draws from three, Rossiter's charges seemed to still have their minds on the N25 as their hosts completely dominated the opening 10 minutes and shot into a five point lead.

Wexford were pilling up the wides in the opening quarter of an hour but they eventually hit some form with Conor Hearne's goal on 21 minutes bringing them back into the tie.

Waterford stretched the lead back out to five but critically Wexford hit two points just before the switch around to keep the gap to one score. Cian Byrne hit four scores from play in the opening half, while Séamus Casey would end the afternoon with 0-09, three of which were from open play.

Their real purple patch arrived for Wexford in a 15 minute spell before the hour mark as they outscored the Déise by 1-07 to 0-01 to push seven clear. Waterford had their chances from there but a couple of poor wides dented their hopes as impressive substitute Corey Byrne Dunbar added two critical points at the other end to see Wexford home.

The result moves Wexford to five points, guaranteeing them Division 1A hurling in 2025, and knowing that victory next weekend against Cork would give them an outside chance of making this year's league semi-finals.

Speaking on RTÉ's Sunday Sport, Rossiter acknowledged the importance of the victory.

"It was massive, it keeps us fighting into the last round of the league," he said.

"We've Cork in Wexford Park next week so it was either us or Waterford that was going to be on the back foot after this. Delighted to come out on top.

"In fairness to Waterford