Davy Fitzgerald believes Wexford's fast start took Offaly by surprise in Tullamore last night.

The Model County blew the home side away to win by 5-24 to 2-9 and leave Kevin Martin's men in grave danger of losing their Leinster SHC status.

"I think it was down to our start. We just decided we needed to start at an unreal pace," the Wexford manager said in an interview with RTE.

"We got a break or two at the start and I'd say it set Offaly back a small bit. I've been looking at Offaly most of the year and I think they have made good progress. I think our start helped us and we were comfortable after that.

"It's very tough on Offaly playing three weeks in-a-row and three tough ones. To get up week-after-week, we're very worried about the third and fourth week (Wexford play Galway and Kilkenny over the next two weekends).

"You have to get up for week one, two, three and four. We're not used to that. A small bit of common sense with a small break in the middle of it would be just right."

Fitzgerald wasn't entirely happy with the performance, pointing out: "We still had 19 wides. We missed a penalty. There are certain things we can improve on. But it's a good win. We needed to win because we want to quality for the latter stages no matter what. We had to come out and give it 110 per cent today and we did that.

"We have two massive games left against Galway and Kilkenny. They will be fair tough. The thing we were worried about is we have to play four weeks in-a-row."

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