Late Wexford goals condemn Cats to second league loss
Very League Division 2B Round 2- Wexford 3-9 Kilkenny 1-8
Two late goals helped Wexford pile the misery on the Kilkenny intermediates as the Cats fell to their second loss of their league campaign on Saturday.
The Model County side struck twice in the closing stages of the second half - they also goaled late in the first 30 minutes - as they picked up a good win at Dr Tierney Park, Graignamanagh.
The visitors opened their account with a Grace Roche point from play inside the first minute, but Aisling Prendergast equalised for Kilkenny with a point 60 seconds later.
The Cats kicked on after that and took the lead when Ellen Gunner tacked on a pointed free before Afton Grace fired to the net to put the hosts 1-2 to 0-1 ahead.
Wexford were hurt by that burst, but quickly rallied to close down the leaders. They hit the next three points through Emer Hunt, Caoimhe Byrne (free) and Lisa Firman, reducing arrears to just a single point.
The action picked up as Caroline Kennedy and Caoimhe Byrne (free) traded points, before Grace Donovan added a point for Wexford which was sandwiched between two pointed frees from Ellen Gunner for Kilkenny.
The game was delicately balanced but, just before the break, disaster struck. With 31 minutes on the clock Lisa Firman struck for Wexford’s opening goal. It was a massive turning point, as it gave Wexford a narrow lead (1-6 to 1-5) heading into the break.
Kilkenny were quick off the mark after the restart as substitute Riona Crowley levelled matters. Wexford didn’t panic though, and with Caoimhe Byrne pulling the strings they hit back with two pointed frees. Ellen Gunner fired over a point from play for the stripey women.
While the Cats pressed hard, Wexford dug deep and used their experience to hold their rivals at bay. They struck a decisive blow when Emer Hunt landed her first goal in the 57th minute for Wexford, a score which moved them 2-8 to 1-7 clear. A pointed free from Grace Roche extended the lead. Although a Ciara Foskin point saw Kilkenny narrow the gap to four, Emer Hunt got in for her second goal right at the death to leave the final score 3-9 to 1-8 in favour of the Slaneysiders.
Kilkenny have no game this weekend but will be back in action away to Cork on Saturday, February 17.
Teams and scorers
Wexford – Emer Hunt (2-1), Caoimhe Byrne (0-4, frees), Lisa Firman (1-1), Grace Roche (0-2, 0-1 free), Grace Donovan (0-1).
Kilkenny – Ellen Gunner (0-4, 0-3 frees); Afton Grace (1-0); Aisling Prendergast, Caroline Kennedy, Riona Crowley, Ciara Foskin (0-1 each).
Kilkenny – Kellyanne Whelan; Mairead Corcoran, Rachel Brennan, Sofia Kerr; Eimear Leahy, Mairead Kennedy, Hannah Scott; Aoife Cantwell, Ciara Foskin; Aisling Prendergast, Ellen Gunner, Emma Mulhall; Afton Grace, Caroline Kennedy, Aoife Moore.
Subs: Riona Crowley for Aoife Moore, Niamh Crowley for Emma Mulhall, Chloe Mullally for Sofia Kerr, Laura Phelan for Eimear Leahy, Aine Phelan for Afton Grace, Aine Rohan for Aisling Prendergast; Tara Murphy, Carlise Comerford, Ellen Purcell, Lauren East, Kate McCluskey.
Wexford – Keeva Steadmond; Clodagh Jackman, Roisin Cooney, Kellyanne Dempsey; Lorna Furlong, Muireann Fitzpatrick, Marie Claire Morrissey; Grace Roche, Clodagh Fitzhenry; Grace Donovan, Caoimhe Byrne, Ciara Butler; Orla Redmond, Emer Hunt, Lisa Firman.
Subs: Ciara Bridges for Ciara Butler, Katie Smyth for Grace Donovan, Leah Furlong for Clodagh Fitzhenry, Ciara O’Connor for Lisa Firman, Aoife McCrea for Orla Redmond.
Referee - Martin Molloy.