LEINSTER UNDER-21 FC SEMI-FINAL Wexford 1-10 Carlow 0-9:WEXFORD AND Longford will contest the Leinster Under-21 football decider after Wexford came from behind to comfortably account for Carlow in Portlaoise last night.

Carlow, hoping to reach a first final since 1984, got off to a perfect start and after 15 minutes they led by 0-5 to 0-1, thanks to four magnificent points from midfielder Darragh Foley.

Wexford were beaten finalists three years ago and were slight favourites, having accounted for Louth and Kildare en route to the semi-final.

Things were not looking good when the men from the south east got their sole point in that quarter from Brendan Halpin and their forwards were guilty of some poor shooting.

However, Wexford suddenly came to life, shooting three points without reply and then came the game’s turning point when a push on Halpin resulted in a penalty. Mick Carty made no mistake, dispatching the ball to the roof of the net to leave Wexford in front 1-4 to 0-5 at the interval.

Wexford completely dominated the third quarter and by the time Foley opened the Carlow account the margin was seven points, but three in a row from the sharp shooter saw the margin reduced with 10 minutes remaining.

However, a great score from Emmet Kent secured victory and Wexford return to the venue in two weeks time when for the first time since 1965 the two finalists will be seeking their first crown.

WEXFORD: R Farrell; M Furlong, S Gaule, M Carty (1-0); D Butler, J Leacy, J Breen; M Hanlon (0-1), M O'Regan (0-2); L Óg McGovern, E Kent (0-3), P Kelly; K OGrady (0-2), K Kehoe (0-1), B Halpin (0-1). Subs: A Jones for E Kent, T Rossiter for B Halpin, B OGorman for K O'Grady, D Murphy for J Breen.

CARLOW: B Doyle; R Mahon, C Lawlor, J Kenny; J Byrne, B Lambe, J Kane; H Gahan, D Foley (0-7); P McElligott, K McCabe (0-2), E Ruth; D Keogh, R Power, E Byrne. Subs: M Ware for E Byrne, C Walsh for E Ruth, E McGrath for R Power, C Byrne for J Kane.

Referee: Fergal Kelly(Longford).