Kilmessan pull clear to maintain Jubilee hopes

Kilmessan's late flourish saw them move a step closer to a SHC quarter-final spot following their 3-14 to 0-14 victory over Blackhall Gaels in Pairc Tailteann this afternoon.

This nine-point win means Clann na nGael will have to better that result when they face Blackhall Gaels in the final round of group games in two weeks time, while for Blackhall they will face a relegation play-off if they fail to beat Clann na nGael.

At the three quarters stage of this lack-lustre encounter Blackhall Gaels hit the front for the first time when Alan Nestor scored just their third point from play to make it 0-10 to 0-9.

Once they hit the front Blackhall Gaels looked set to use the strong wind to their advantage and kick on, but Kilmessan had other ideas with veterans Joey Keena and Steven Clynch leading the charge.

Keena's stunning run from deep set up his brother Kevin for an easy goal and Blackhall Gaels never seriously threatened again although Carty and Stephen Morris did maintain a threat.

Clynch pointed superbly after Kevin Keena's goal and after Blackhall Gaels did muster a minor recovery their rebellion was quelled by another fine goal from Kevin Keena to make it 2-12 to 0-12 in the 60th minute.

Carty did manage to close the gap to a goal, but in injury-time Clynch blasted his side's third goal from a penalty after he had been fouled and seconds later he lofted over a brilliant point and he still had time to win a late free which Horan converted to signal the end of a disappointing contest.

Playing with the aid of a strong wind Kilmessan laboured to a 0-4 to 0-0 lead by the end of the opening quarter with Horan converting two '65's, a free and one from play.

Carty eventually opened Blackhall's account in the 16th minute from a free, but Kilmessan continued to dominate.

However they struggled to find the target and hit 10 wides in the opening period as they relied on Kevin Keena and Clynch to add to their tally, while Carty and Morris replied for Blackhall to close the gap to 0-3 to 0-6 at the break.

Carty's 46-metre free narrowed the deficit 90 seconds after the restart, but two frees from Horan, either side of a free from Carty, restored Kilmessan's three-point cushion by the 38th minute, 0-8 to 0-5.

Carty punished Kilmessan indiscipline with two successful frees to close the deficit to the minimum, but again Horan settled Kilmessan with a free to make it 0-9 to 0-7.

Another Carty free made it a one-point game again before Morris restored parity and Nestor edged Blackhall ahead for the first time. However that was as good as it got for Blackhall as Clynch and the Keenas found another gear and inspired Kilmessan to victory

SCORERS

Kilmessan – Luke Horan 0-9 six frees, two '65's; Kevin Keena 2-1; Steven Clynch 1-3 1-0 penalty; Alex Smith 0-1.

Blackhall Gaels – Dermot Carty 0-10 frees; Stephen Morris 0-2; Alan Nestor 0-1; Shane Whitty 0-1.

TEAMS

Kilmessan – Cian O'Neill; Dylan Swan, Shane Brennan, Padraig Burke; Paddy Lally, Joey Keena, Alex Smith; Luke Horan, Declan Smyth; Darren Reilly, Cathal Murphy, Kevin Keena; Jack Cottrell, Malcolm Doyle, Steven Clynch. Subs – Conor Harlin for Murphy, Kyle Donnelly for Cottrell both 47 mins.

Blackhall Gaels – Daniel Whitty; John Morris, David McGowan, Hugh Smith; John Kelly, Shane Whitty, Conor Delaney; Tom Murphy, Stephen Morris; Kevin Coyle, Niall Mangan, Alan Nestor; Colm Whitty, Paul Kelly, Dermot Carty. Sub – Conor Burke for Coyle 47 mins.

Referee – Owen Ganly (Trim).