Model skipper Hudson struck in either half to condemn Paddy O'Rourke's Down side to their third defeat - leaving them third from bottom and just two points clear of the drop.

Dan Gordon's 10th-minute goal from a Shane Ward lob in looked to have the home side in good stead hoever. Aidan Scullion's controversial yellow card for a supposed foot-block on David Fogarty sparked angry scenes and that ignited Wexford into action.

Although Hudson missed the resultant penalty, he did claim a goal soon after from a Matty Forde rebound and five straight points helped the Leinster men to a 1-07 to 1-03 lead at the interval.

Hudson's second goal pushed that advantage to eight and although John Clarke (0-02), Ronan Murtagh and Benny Coulter grabbed late points - the damage was already done.