Wexford FC have sealed another three points with a 2-1 victory over Kerry FC at Ferrycarrig Park in the League of Ireland First Division.
The win is their second of the 2023 campaign and see's the men from the South East on a run of three games unbeaten in the league.
And that's full time! Another 3 points on the board ✅️
Goals from Hanratty and McCann! pic.twitter.com/Ti5Us1RfeK
— Wexford FC (@WexfordFC) March 17, 2023
James Keddy's side had to work for their win tonight, as the men from the Kingdom arrived with redemption in their minds.
Mark Hanratty opened the scoring for the home side in the opening five minutes after a strong start had set the tempo.
20-year-old Hanratty is a tenacious midfielder. His youth and ability were on show from the opening whistle - a trademark of his manager's vision.
GOAAAAAAL! HANRATTY! pic.twitter.com/crFwGFzXuQ
— Wexford FC (@WexfordFC) March 17, 2023
Wexford continued to push for a second, but they were frustrated by a dogged Kerry defence and poor finishing.
The half ended with that solitary goal, with the weather making proceedings difficult for both sides.
Umbrella weather at Ferrycarrig. @WexfordFC a goal up. Great to see @KerryFC play their first LoI game in Wexico. pic.twitter.com/r9UIdVNNLT
— Liam Ruth (@liamruth) March 17, 2023
The second half continued from the first, with the weather making transitions difficult and frustrating for both sides.
Keddy turned to his bench for inspiration, with four players introduced throughout the second half.
Hanratty continued to cause havoc, and his pacey run almost forced an own goal after 75 minutes of play.
The home side would eventually double their lead through Brandon McCann - a finish from the edge of the box.
A set piece in the 78-minute would be partially cleared outside the box, allowing McCann to guide it home.
GOAAAAAAL! MCCANN MAKES IT TWO! pic.twitter.com/KTmHm0Itwh
— Wexford FC (@WexfordFC) March 17, 2023
To their credit, the Kerry players did not drop their heads. That is a testament to the guidance of manager Billy Dennehy.
His side continued to push and received a just reward in the 88-minute through a Leonardo Gaxha header.
GOOOOOOOOAAAAAALLLL
LEO GAXHA'S HEADER #WeAreKerryFC #EnterTheKingdom pic.twitter.com/VkOdogR4eZ
— Kerry Football Club (@KerryFC) March 17, 2023
The goal spurred Dennehy's side, and they sensed a point was on offer. Their hard work fashioned two late chances, and Gaxha will feel he could have equalized with a minute to play.
Wexford would hang on for the win, but there are lessons in this victory.
Speaking to Beat Sport after the game, Keddy was happy to get over the line: "We are very pleased with the 3 points tonight," he said.
"There is a lot of improvement to come!"
Tonight's win moves Wexford into fifth position in the table, level on points with fourth-placed Waterford FC and now occupying the final play-off spot.
They make the trip to face a familiar foe in Ian Ryan's Bray Wanderers on Friday, 24 March.
The action is set to get underway at 7:45 pm in the Carlisle grounds.
