Wexford 3-13
Longford 2-9
Former Republic of Ireland striker Kevin Doyle was part of the Wexford think-tank as the Slaneysiders secured their first win in the Leinster U20FC at Longford's expense in Innovate Wexford Park.
Doyle, who took up an advisory role with the team at the start of the year, saw Wexford recover from the concession of an early goal to win with seven points to spare and get their first points on the board after losing to Westmeath in the first round.
A Joe Kelly goal propelled Longford into an early 1-1 to 0-2 lead, but the hosts were ahead by the 18th minute thanks to goals from Robbie Brooks and goalkeeper Ivan Meegan (penalty).
They led by 2-4 to 1-5 at half-time and extended their advantage to 3-8 to 1-7 when Barry O'Connor netted in the 42nd minute. But Kelly's second major six minutes later reduced the deficit to four points, 2-7 to 3-8, before a pair of Meegan frees settled the Model outfit, who will face Dublin in their final group match on June 16.
Longford, who meet Westmeath on the same day, are as good as out after losing to the Dubs and now Wexford.
Wexford - I Meegan (1-2, 1-0pen, 0-2f); F Roche, M O'Neill, M O'Connor (0-1); G Sheehan, R Devereux, Q Saunders; D Lyons, K Firman (0-2); S Nolan (0-2, 1f), M Dwyer (0-1), J Myler (0-3); C Devereux (0-1), R Brooks (1-0), P Barry. Subs: D Furlong for R Brooks, B O'Connor (1-1) for P Barry, R Waters for M Dwyer, S Wall for S Nolan.
Longford - C Gallagher; K Gilmore, C McKeon (0-1), M McCormack; S Farrell, J Kelly (2-1), C Lee; E Farrell, D Duggan; I O'Sullivan (0-1f), P Lynn, R Harkins; A McKeon (0-2, 1'45), T McGann (0-2f), R Hawkins (0-1). Subs: C McElligott (0-1) for P Lynn, R Claffey for R Harkins.
Referee - J Hickey.
TweetKevin Doyle warming up the Wexford U20 team pic.twitter.com/BgVx3ksiiE
- Deniese O'Flaherty (@deniese_o) June 4, 2018