Wexford have their name in the FAI Cup quarterfinals, the First Division side emerging narrow victors against St Patrick’s CY FC, a wonderful Darragh Levingston volley the matchwinner.

As the Irishtown grounds steadily filled up, it was a combative opening ten minutes, physically tenacious challenges flying in everywhere on both sides.

Wexford forward, Aaron Dobbs, had a couple of half-chances, the first brilliantly blocked by home defender John Johnston, the second a flying header well wide.

At the other end, home forward, Jake Gregg was making himself an absolute nuisance, his harrying hurrying the Wexford defence into a haphazard hoof clear.

Reece Webb illuminated the contest with a lovely dribble from deep inside his own half, another quick away counterattack that fizzled out as Dobbs was flagged, St Patrick’s more than matching their League of Ireland opposition over the opening stages.

Route one almost led to a way through before forty minutes had gone, John Johnston hacking down a rampaging Ethan Boyle, the away captain heading the subsequent free kick over the bar.

Three minutes from the interval, Wexford moved in front.  Originating from an attritional spell of head tennis in the box, the ball came out to the edge of the area where it was met by a sizzling, sweet strike from Darragh Levingston, his stunning volley breaking the deadlock.

Dean Kelly shot straight at Owen Mason in response, but Levingston’s goal had Wexford ahead at half time in Dublin.

After the action resumed, striker Eoin Kenny came on for Wexford, nearly setting up a second shortly after arriving too, nifty footwork and then spying Kian Corbally who whistled an effort past the post.

Played with plenty of physicality and needle, the hosts were frequently having the door to an equaliser shut in their face, Jack Blade standing out with his attacking runs from full-back.

Captained by the ever-energetic Boyle, Wexford were searching for a second in the closing stages, attack acting as the best form of defence.

Kenny had injected a different dimension to Wexford’s attack and a neat one-two with him set Levingston up for a shot which deflected behind.

Substitute Jake Ellis almost equalised late on, the wind and proximity of the Wexford defenders putting the youngster off balance, though.

The hosts had to finish with ten men, Gregg hobbling off with four minutes to go.

A long throw almost led to a leveller, Shane Heffernan firing just wide as Wexford were reprieved.

St Patrick’s CY FC will commence their Leinster Senior League season whilst before their last eight Cup meeting, the draw for which is set to take place this week, Wexford return to First Division action, travelling to face Athlone Town on Friday night (7:45pm KO).