Wexford eventually pull clear to see past spirited Offaly

Wexford overcame a patchy display to maintain their perfect record in Division 1 Group A of the Allianz Hurling League at Chadwicks Wexford Park on Saturday as Offaly's relegation fears heighten.

Free-taker Luke O’Connor handed the purposeful midlanders the initiative for a fifth time after 55 minutes (2-10 to 0-12).

But Wexford then asserted control, substitutes Connal Flood (two) and teenager Corey Byrne-Dunbar on his league debut contributing to the home-side outstripping their rivals with ten of the game’s last twelve points.

Regardless, it was unconvincing Wexford showing, with manager Darragh Egan quite animated on the sideline as he sought to spark his charges from their slumber following the vitality of their victories over Limerick, Clare and Galway.

Offaly’s faint hopes of securing a second campaign in the top-flight now rest on their visit to similarly under pressure Limerick.

A minute’s silence was observed in advance of Saturday’s game in respect of Paul Shefflin, a Ballyhale Shamrocks’ club-mate of Offaly manager Michael Fennelly.

Offaly hearts were in lodged in their mouths in the opening minutes after a long-range Jack O'Connor free broke off the woodwork and into the square before the danger was cleared.

An out of sorts home-side struggled to find any rhythm, and Luke O’Connor and goalie Stephen Corcoran assisted Offaly into a 0-03 to 0-01 lead after ten minutes after an opening exchange.

Offaly dashed 1-03 to 0-02 clear on thirteen minutes when a long clearance was fetched to the left of goal by Paddy Clancy who spotted O’Connor alone on the far edge of the square to mine a major blow.

Rory O’Connor’s steady free-taking and a Diarmuid O’Keeffe equaliser tied matters on 0-6 to 1-3 after 21 minutes.

Offaly