Kilkenny take advantage

Kilkenny 2-19 Wexford 2-13:A CONTROVERSIAL refereeing decision four minutes before the break changed the game as Kilkenny used their numerical advantage to fashion a flattering win at Wexford Park on Saturday. John Keenan dismissed wing back Colm Heffernan on a second yellow card when Wexford led by four points.

Kilkenny’s Conor Martin goaled after 30 seconds and then Kevin Kelly pointed a free. Wexford took over to lead 1-6 to 1-4, the goal coming from Jack Guiney’s 22-metre free. Kelly kept Kilkenny in touch with frees. Aidan Nolan hit the net after 22 minutes as Wexford led at the break 2-10 to 1-8.

Seven minutes after the restart Kelly struck for a goal after Nolan had extended Wexford’s lead to six but Kilkenny stormed back to progress.

KILKENNY: A Duggan; J McDowell, C Doyle, E Morrissey; K Walsh (0-2), D Cody, E McGrath; C O’Shea, C Bolger (0-2); C Martin (1-1), K Kelly (1-10, 0-9 frees, 0-1 65); T O’Hanrahan, R Moran (0-1), R Reid (0-2). Subs: P Vickery (0-1) for Moran (40 mins), J Maher for Bolger (59 mins).

WEXFORD: C O’Leary; S Murphy, A Kenny, G Foley; C Heffernan, S O’Gorman, W Furlong; J Guiney (1-0, free), C Devitt; G Moore (0-4, 0-1 free, 0-1 sideline), A Nolan (1-3), C Hughes; R Clarke (0-6, 0-5 frees), C McDonald, P Roche. Subs: K Foley for Roche (30 mins), D Byrne for Furlong (54 mins), P Doyle for Clarke (54 mins).

Referee: J Keenan (Wicklow).