Treaty United denied much-needed win at the death as Wexford net dramatic equaliser

LUCKLESS Treaty United's bid for a much-needed victory in the SSE Airtricity League First Division were scuppered by a 97th minute equaliser for Wexford FC in a dramatic 2-2 draw at the Markets Field on Friday night.

Injury-hit Treaty had looked all set to secure their first win in the league since March, only for Kaylem Harnett to pop up with a last gasp equaliser for Wexford deep in added time.

Visitors Wexford FC got off to an absolute flier when striker Thomas Oluwa calmly slotted home to see them take the lead inside six minutes following a super ball over the top of the defence from Kian Corbally.

Treaty fired back almost instantly when Lee Devitt's whipped corner went through the large pack of players in the penalty area and straight into the back of the net. It was Treaty’s first goal at the Markets Field in over a month. 

Both teams were frustrating each other and couldn’t find any further breakthrough in the first half.

Wexford finished the half the stronger side with Oluwa causing problems for the Treaty defence with several runs in behind.

Oluwa then almost put Wexford ahead following a goalmouth scramble, but couldn’t get a shot off. Ethan Boyle went close with a long-range effort on the stroke of half time which had Treaty keeper Corey Chambers at full stretch.  However, the effort flew outside the post. 

Treaty opened the second half strongly with Mark Byrne inches away from giving them the lead when he sent a glancing header just over the crossbar.

At the other end, Wexford slowly gained a foothold on the game and started to dictate the tempo of the game. It was almost rewarded when Mikie Rowe saw an effort fly just wide of the goal.

Rowe was involved again when the ball fell at his feet with just the keeper to beat, but his shot was sent way over the bar.  

Treaty almost scored when substitute Yousef Mahdy skimmed the bar with a free-kick attempt.

First half goalscorer Devitt, who turned in another impressive display, where he seemed to cover every blade of grass in the Markets Field.

Treaty looked set to take home the three precious points on offer just four minutes from time when a sensational counter attack driven by the Byrnes' saw Alec Byrne square the ball to Mark Byrne who sent the ball through the keeper's legs for the 2-1 lead. The goal looked all set to provide Treaty’s first victory since the third game of the season. 

Resilient Wexford peppered the Treaty goal with attempts, but couldn’t seem to find a way past the defence which included an unbelievable Lee Devitt goal line clearance in the 93rd minute of action.

However, Wexford broke Treaty hearts in the 97th minute when substitute Kaylem Harnett flicked the ball into the net with a glancing header from a free kick. That proved to be the last kick of the game as the referee blew full time on a pulsating end to the game at Markets Field. 

Treaty United remain in 8th place in the First Division and travel to Bishopsgate this Monday, May 13 to face Longford Town in a rescheduled league fixture. 

Treaty United: Corey Chambers; Robbie Lynch, Ben O’Riordan, Mark Walsh, Oisin O’Reilly; Thomas Considine, Mark Byrne, Fionn Doherty, Colin Conroy, Lee Devitt; Stephen Christopher. Subs: Fionn Doherty for Yousef Mahdy (65), Oisin O’Reilly for Alec Byrne (65), Scott Kirkland for Mark Walsh (82).

Wexford Town: Owen Mason; Reece Webb, Carl Lennox, Sean McHale, Benjamin Lynch; Ethan Boyle, Kian Corbally, Luka Lovic; Darragh Levingston, Thomas Oluwa, Mikie Rowe. Subs: Thomas Oluwa replaced by Aaron Dobbs (57), Kian Corbally replaced by Mark Hanratty (57), Mikie Rowe replaced by Kaylem Harnett (81), Darragh Levingston replaced by Cian Curtis (82).