WEXFORD SHOWED real determination mixed with a good deal of ability when they overcame Clane away from home in the first round of the Provincial Towns Cup on Sunday last.

Wexford paid no heed to the away advantage or indeed the fact that Clane ply their league trade in a higher division. Indeed, Wanderers took the game to their hosts and were deserved winners over the 80 minutes.

The home side did, however, take advantage of the wind and the significant slope on the pitch and kept Wexford deep in their own half for sustained periods in the first-half. Clane for the first 20 minutes were successful at running the phases, while maintaining possession and recycling the ball.

On one such occasion following the application of sustained pressure from Clane on Wexford's defence, they spun wide and managed to evade tackles with a switch move in the centre to score their opening points just right of the posts. The successful conversion was followed soon afterwards by two converted penalties. This left the home side with a comfortable margin of 13-0 at half-time.

The back three for Wexford, Robbie Casey, Mikey Hanrahan and Seán Ó Corcora, returned kicked ball with a depth of natural running ability on numerous occasions. This helped alleviate pressure for Wexford and was a good ploy against the wind.

Wexford had their opportunity to claw back three points prior to half-time, but John Flynn was unsuccessful on this occasion. Thankfully this was the last kick John missed for the afternoon.

In the second-half Wexford upped their tempo and took on the opposition up front. The game plan was simple, play in their half and put them on the back foot with direct running.

With the big men in the form of Sudds, Gavin Doyle, Whelan and Walsh running straight with purpose, Clane were inexorably sucked in to defend and commit numbers. The territory advantage was now mostly in Wexford's favour and they were soon rewarded with a penalty that was duly converted.

Following a Doyle charge in the middle of the pitch, the ball was spun wide with Sudds assisting, skipping the midfield with a long pass. Out wide Seán Ó Corcora was on hand to gather the ball and score from 30 yards, only just making the line to finish off an excellent passage of Wexford play. John Flynn was successful with the conversion as he was with the following two pressurised penalty kicks.

The first of these was to level the game at 13 apiece. The second was to put Wexford ahead for the first time. Clane continued to push up the pitch and had their opportunity to force extra-time but were unsuccessful with the kick.

This was a solid all-round performance for Wexford who return to league duties next weekend when they host Rathdrum at home on Sunday. The importance of this game goes without saying.

Wexford showed that they are well capable of taking on teams from the division above; they just have to win the division they are in to get the opportunity. As for the cup, Wexford along with Enniscorthy and New Ross, who also progressed, will know their fate in two weeks' time when the draw takes place.