Kildare hurlers keep winning streak going with win over Derry

Allianz Hurling League Division 2A

Kildare 2-23

Derry 0-19

Kildare continue their impressive start to Division 2A of the Allianz National Hurling League with a ten point victory over Derry at Owenbeg on Sunday.

It is Kildare's third win in a row, and with a superior scoring difference they sit on top of the table with two rounds remaining against tough opposition Offaly and Kerry, The Faithful boys just getting better of Kerry on Sunday a the slimest of margins.

Kildare's ten point margin at the end probably flattered the visitors as they hit a late 1-3 to put a gloss on the scoreline.

The opening quarter saw Kildare race into a ten point lead 1-10 to 0-3 after Brian Byrne goaled in the ninth minute,James Burke setting him free with a sublime pass.

Burke, Gerry Keegan and Cathal Dowling all got their names on the scoreboard as Kildare threatened to run away with the contest early on.

Points from the impressive Cormac O'Doherty, Cormac Gough and Callum Kane was all that Derry could muster.in that opening fifteen minutes.

Kildare were moving the ball at pace and with radar like accuracy.and they created so many scoring chances they probably should have been further ahead.

The second quarter saw a complete change around as Kildare were punished for their wastefulness and when Derry upped the intensity their greater tackling and a willingness to close down every Kildare player. was rewarded as they outscored Kildare by 0-8 to 0-4 to treduce the to six at the interval.When Cathal Dowling pointed his second on 18 minutes Kildare could only muster one more score in the next sixteen minutes.

Kildare's lack of discipline allowed Cormac Doherty's to bring his first half tally to eight frees with some excellent free taking.

Kildare still lead 1-14 to 0-11 as the sides went to the dressing rooms.

On the changeover Cormac O'Doherty and Gerry Keegan swapped points to keep 6 between the sides.Eamon Conway hit a monster from 65 and when Doherty pointed his 10th and 11th points Derry were back within four.

David Herrity and his management team started to make the changes,introducing six in total and it had the desired effect and just when you thought Derry were back in contention Gerry Keegan, James Burke and Cathal McCabe all scored to open a seven point gap again.

Cormac O'Doherty brought his total to 0-14 for the afternoon before the 64 minute again punishing Kildare indiscretions, something they will need to eliminate with the business end of the season on the horizon.

A late goal from second half sub Killian Aherne after a great run from Gerry Keegan was quickly added to by a point from fellow sub Sean Whelan. The Ardclough man was only on the field 20 seconds when he took his chance.

The visit of Kerry in two weeks time will allow Kildare the chance to book a semi final spot.After an eight point reversal the last time the sides met Kildsre will know that a repeat of this Derry performance won't be enough to gain revenge.

The extra weeks break will provide an opportunity to work on their mistakes.

KILDARE: Paddy McKenna, Niall O Muineachain, Simon Leacy, Cormac Byrne, Cian Shanahan, Rian Boran, Conan Boran, Alan Goss, Cathal McCabe 0-3, Paul Dolan, Gerry Keegan 0-5, James Burke 0-10 (7 frees 1'65), Brian Byrne 1-1, Declan Flaherty 0-1, Cathal Dowling 0-2. Subs: Killian Aherne 1-0 for Declan Flaherty 43; Jack Higgins for Alan Goss 47; Sean Christanseen for Conan Boran 57; Mark Delaney for Paul Dolan 59; Drew Costello for Cian Shanahan 70; Sean Whelan 0-1 for Gerry Keegan 70.

DERRY: Eoin Mulholland, Sean Francis Quinn, Mark Craig, Daire Kelly, Eamon Conway 0-1, Cormac Gough 0-1, Sean Cassidy, Meehaul McGrath James Friel, Corey O'Reilly, Cormac O'Doherty 0-14 (14 frees), Callum O'Kane 0-1, Padraig Neilis, John Mullan 0-2 , Darragh McGilligan. Subs: Paul Cleary for Padraig Neills 42;Cahal Quinn for Cormac Gough 63.