Allianz League Game at a Glance: Kilkenny v Offaly

MAIN MAN

Adrian Mullen (Kilkenny)

Once again Adrian Mullen was the star man on show for Kilkenny as he scored six points which brings his total league tally to 0-13, all of which came from play.

On an afternoon where a lot of Kilkenny players struggled to hit top form, the Shamrocks man stood out in another man of the match display.

TURNING POINT

Eoin Cody’s brilliant individual goal essentially put the game beyond reach of Offaly as the Cats opened up a six point lead in the early minutes of the second half. Prior to that, the visitors were very much still in the game but Cody’s effort took the wind out of their sails.

TALKING POINT

While Kilkenny are still unbeaten, they have struggled to find consistency in their performances with the good and the bad mixed together in their games thus far. The wind was definitely a factor but Derek Lyng still wouldn’t have been best pleased at how they performed for a lot of the opening half on Sunday and with Clare next up, a 70 minute display will be required if they want to leave Cusack Park victorious.

Highlight

One point in the next two games will seal the Cats spot in next year’s revamped Division 1.

Lowlight

While it’s great to see Adrian Mullen in such fine form at this early part of the season, it is still a little concerning that Kilkenny are relying on himself and Eoin Cody and TJ Reid when he returns for most of their scores. The team is probably lacking another key forward that can score consistently from play to really put the heat on other teams and Derek Lyng will be hoping some players can make that step up.

WHAT NOW?

Kilkenny travel to Ennis to take on Clare on Sunday week where the winners will all but seal a home league semi-final while Offaly host Cork in Tullamore on the same afternoon.

Attendance

3,523