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A general view of Wexford Park (file pic). Tommy Grealy/INPHO
Comeback kids

Wexford and Laois both pull off dramatic comebacks to reach Leinster MFC last eight

They beat Wicklow and Meath respectively.

BOTH WEXFORD AND Laois won their respective Leinster MFC qualifiers earlier today following dramatic comebacks in both clashes.

At one stage it looked like Wicklow may have went on to dump Wexford out of the competition on their home turf of Wexford Park, but the Yellowbellies’ comeback said otherwise.

The visitors got off to a dream start with a goal from their first attack through Jordan Deans. They pushed on, but Wexford’s Jamie Meyler helped keep his side in touch with some inspirational scores.

Jimmy Sutton leveled the sides, before Wicklow restored their lead with two quick-fire goals as half-time approached.

Wicklow looked to be well in control at the break, five points up thanks to their goals.

John Nolan’s Wexford returned all guns blazing however — Jamie Thomas’ goal backing up Sam Wall’s early point.

Myler again stood up to split the posts and level matters, as his side drove on to cause real problems for the Wicklow defence.

The home side registered two more points, while Brian Deeney rattled the net to put the game to bed. Wicklow scored just three points in the second half, while Wexford really came to life and it finished 2-14 to 3-7.

Meanwhile, last year’s Leinster MFC finalists Laois left Pairc Tailteann with a win under their belt as they also march on following an impressive comeback.

Luke Mullins with John Kavanagh and Diarmuid Whelan Whelan featured in last year's provincial final. Tommy Grealy / INPHO Tommy Grealy / INPHO / INPHO

Laois held Meath scoreless for the majority of the second half, despite the latter racing into a five-point lead shortly after the break.

It was tit-for-tat for much of the first half. Laois midfielder Diarmuid Whelan raised three flags, while Shane Walsh was impressive on frees at the other end of play.

The Royals then stormed into reasonable lead on the restart as they hit four points in the opening ten minutes.

Half-time substitute Saran O Fionnagain came off the bench to score twice, but his second came as Meath’s last point of the game.

Laois gradually narrowed the deficit, and Niall Dunne tied the encounter with his 57th-minute 45.

Star man Diarmuid Whelan edged the winning score two minutes later.

Wexford and Laois now march on to the quarter-final stages. Westmeath host Carlow in another qualifier tomorrow.

Leinster MFC results:

  • Wexford 2-14 Wicklow 3-7
  • Meath 0-10 Laois 0-11

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