Wexford far from impressive in seeing off Antrim in Leinster Hurling Championship

Wexford got the job done, but without being utterly convincing, as they posted a vital victory over Antrim in Saturday's Leinster SHC round-robin duel at Chadwicks Wexford Park.

Although the hosts seemed destined to respond comfortably to defeat to Galway as they led the Saffrons 1-19 to 1-10 at half-time, Darragh Egan’s charges had their work cut out in the second period.

Indeed, with Conal Cunning deadly from placed-balls, Antrim were right on Wexford’s coat-tails entering the closing stages only to be denied before a crowd of 4,200.

The reigning Joe McDonagh Cup champions must now beat Kilkenny in Belfast next weekend to maintain any hope of qualifying, as they then close out the group stages with back-to-back away ties, against Galway and Westmeath.

Wexford, meanwhile, will need to address some obvious shortcomings away to Dublin next weekend before hosting Westmeath and Kilkenny.

Despite a sprite start by Wexford – Rory O'Connor sandwiching a Liam Óg McGovern score – for a 0-03 to no-score lead, Antrim responded keenly as Seaan Elliott and Gerard Walsh (free) shaved it to the minimum after five minutes.

Things remained tight as the sides traded scores before an Oisín Foley double suggested a Wexford surge was in the offing as they pulled 0-6 to 0-3 ahead on ten minutes.

But Antrim shook things up seconds later when James McNaughton dashed in from the right wing to crash home an equalising goal (1-3 to 0-6).

Vibrant Wexford struck back in telling fashion when hitting Antrim for 1-6 between the eleventh and seveteenth minutes while leaking just a point in that spell.

Jack O’Connor hit a quick brace before his brother, Rory, a constant thorn in Antrim’s side, released Cathal Dunbar, who jigged by a couple of defenders before