EVER SINCE last year's championship disappointments, Wexford had been awaiting an opportunity to bounce back to winning ways. They grasped the chance with both hands as they went on a goalscoring avalanche to see off a fine Cavan outfit in this opening round Allianz Football league Division 3 game played at Wexford Park on Sunday last.

Wexford may have had a winning five-point cushion in the end, but they were made to sweat during several stages of the second period. But unlike the championship of last year, their luck was right in on this occasion as they battled against the circumstances to stave off a determined challenge from the northern side in what was a tense and exciting second 35 minutes.

The home side were enjoying a five-point lead after 51 minutes (3-6 to 0-10) when the visitors were awarded a penalty. A goal at that stage would have lifted the visitors and would have tested the confidence of the home players given the nature of the play.

And to add to their woes, before the penalty was even taken, Wexford had midfielder Daithí Waters sent-off by referee Michael Collins. Amidst all the onfield drama, Cavan corner-forward Raymond Galligan, who had been kicking so well from placed balls, was entrusted with the penalty, but 'keeper Anthony Masterson got across superbly to deflect the ball over the bar.

So it looked as if the ill-luck of last year which dogged the side had gone away. They called in veterans David Murphy and Colm Morris to help settle their depleted forces, and it worked a treat, as Wexford put in a storming passage of football. And coupled with an excellent Eric Bradley goal, they deservedly got their league campaign off to a winning start.

Wexford showed great composure and settled well in the wake of Waters' dismissal and showed they have learned so much in their battles over the past few seasons, as they responded to the challenge laid down.

Wexford concentrated on taking the initiative from the throw-in, with Ciarán Lyng pointing inside 90 seconds after being picked out by an Eric Bradley ball inside.

Paddy Byrne had a point attempt rebound off the post, before Graeme Molloy stormed forward out of defence and linked up with midfielder Daithí Waters to flick the ball inside to P.J. Banville who pointed from an acute angle.

Cavan had to wait until the twelfth minute for their opening score, a Eugene Keating point, but then came the first of Wexford's three firsthalf goals, scores that led Cavan manager Val Andrews to link the defending of the full-back line to being akin to gifts from Santa Claus.

Tall midfielder Andrew Shore sent a high ball to the attack that was fielded by his first cousin Paddy Byrne, who quickly delivered inside for P.J. Banville to evade his marker, finishing with a low shot to the net. The visitors responded with a Niall Smith point, but the home attack was by no means finished.

After Raymond Galligan had pointed a 17thminute free and midfielder Gearóid Mckiernan blazed wide after soloing unhindered through the defence, the home side took full advantage.

Corner-back Brian Malone knifed his way through the visitors' defence from midfield before being hauled down, leaving referee Michael Collins pointing without hesitation for a penalty that Ciarán Lyng neatly tucked high into the left corner of the net.

- BRENDAN FURLONG In Wexford Park