Bradley goal proves crucial

An individual goal from midfielder Eric Bradley in the 36th minute proved the decisive score in this Leinster semi-final at Croke Park yesterday.

Wexford had just stretched their three-point interval lead with a pointed free from Diarmuid Kinsella when Bradley embarked on a 40-yard solo run that began with him fielding Kildare goalkeeper Dermot Cummins's kick-out and ended with a superb strike to the bottom left corner.

All of a sudden Wexford were seven points clear and almost out of sight. Kildare were given hope two minutes later when Kinsella was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Kildare had started so well with points from Shane Kelly and Colm O'Reilly. But Wexford went through the gears between the 12th and 27th minutes to record six consecutive points. Kelly shot his third point on half-time to reduce the deficit from 0-7 to 0-4.

The numerical advantage did help Kildare in their quest to bridge the gap. However, points from JJ Doyle and Karl Smith in the 48th and 49th minutes closed the door on Kildare's bid to reach the final.

WEXFORD: P Clooney; J Dunbar, W Delaney, R Mageean; M Sheehan, David Murphy, N Murphy; E Bradley (1-1), D Kinsella (0-3, 2 frees); L Murphy, B Byrne, JJ Doyle (0-3); Daragh Murphy (0- 1), K Smith (0-1), G McCarthy (0-2). Sub: M Kehoe for L Murphy (54 mins).

KILDARE: D Cummins; P Reidy, J Doyle, T Dunne; Brian Dunne, M Dunne, P Cornish; S O'Loughlin, C Flanagan; P Hurley (0-1, free), N Browne (0-1), H Persse; S Kelly (0-3, 2 frees), C O'Reilly (0-2), T Rossiter (0-3). Subs: Barry Dunne for O'Loughlin (half-time); R McMahon (0- 1, free) for Hurley (50 mins).

Referee: J Smith (Meath).