Jun B FC: Kilmainham set up semi final date with Boardsmill

Kilmainham's Michael Hoey

Kilmainham 1-11 Kilmainhamwood 0-7

We headed to Castletown for an early morning start for round 3 of the Junior B championship. Kilmainham knew before the match that a win against unbeaten Kilmainhamwood would put them through to a semi-final in top spot, while a loss and big win for Moynalty over Drumconrath would put us out and Moynalty through with Kilmainhamwood. 

Both teams came into this match on a high, Kilmainham had a convincing win in round 2 against Drumconrath, while Kilmainhamwood had a big win against Moynalty. The game started like we all do on Sunday morning. It was slow and ponderous at times with both teams looking to gain a foothold in the match. Kilmainhamwood were playing with a strong wind for the first half. They looked to get a shot away at every moment to maximise the wind advantage, but the Kilmainham defence were resilient and applied constant pressure on their shooters. Kilmainhamwood hit a lot of wides in the opening half. Our lads missed a few chances but were probably more efficient when we did shoot. Dylan Morgan Morgan who was proving a real handful in the full-forward line opened our account, Kilmainhamwood hit back with a free. Mark Newman scored a nice point off his right. Michael Hoey landed a big two-pointer to put us two points up, but Kilmainhamwood hit the last two points from free’s to leave the sides level at 4 points each at half-time. In truth it was a poor first half of football by both teams. Kilmainham would have been the happier of the two sides, having only conceded 4 points against a very strong wind. 

Half-time score: Kilmainham 0-4, Kilmainhamwood 0-4. 

Our lads were looking to kick on with the wind at their backs. Centre Back Harry Newman returned to the field, after having to leave after 15minutes in the first half due to a knock. Dylan Morgan struck the first point of the half. Kilaminham were kicking some excellent ball into him. Michael Hoey then hit another two points. Kilmainhamwood responded with a point from play. Our lads were solid in defence and Kilmainhamwood had to carry a lot of ball against the wind. A brilliant long ball by Andy Arkins found Mickey Newman one on one in the full-forward line. He spun his man and went bearing down on goal. The Kilmainhamwood defender had no choice but to haul him down to stop a goal. Penalty for Kilmainham and black card for the defender. Up stepped Michael Hoey to bury the ball into the roof of the Kilmainhamwood net. Kilmainham were in the driving seat. We should have pushed on from this position, but we were sloppy in possession at times. We had two good goal chances that unfortunately we did not convert after some very good team moves. Kilmainhamwood did have a few goal chances themselves, but goalie Terence Daly was alert to pull off some smart saves. Dylan Morgan kicked another 3 points and Mark Newman fired over his second of the match as Kilmainham saw out the match with a 7-point victory. The win see’s us advance to the semi-final of the 

championship. On reflection, this was probably our worst performance of the campaign. At this stage of the season, it is all about winning though. Our lads will know that they will need to improve on this display if they are to make the Junior B final. 

Mickey Newman’s side will face Boardsmill in the Semi-final on Friday 18th September at 8pm in Cortown. A very tough assignment awaits the lads in 2 week's time. They will be under no illusions of what to expect. Time to get the bodies recovered and get some quality training in before then. 

Again, a big thank you to everyone that came to support us on Sunday. Seeing so many community members, family and friends there, cheering us on makes the difference. This win is for you as much as it is for the players. We really appreciate your support. Please come cheer us on in 2 week's time again. 

Best for Kilmainham were: Dylan Morgan, Michael Hoey, Terence Daly, Ger Morgan and Shane Morgan. 

Kilmainham: Terence Daly, Jamie O’ Sullivan, Stephen Newman, Phily Mahon, Seanie Mahon, Harry Newman, Lewis Curran, Declan Mullen, Mickey Newman, Shane Morgan, Andy Arkins, Michael Hoey (1-4), Dylan Morgan (0-5), Ger Morgan, Mark Newman (0-2). 

Subs: Scott Lynch for Mark Newman, Podge Caffrey for Jamie, Dean Peppard for Harry Newman, Fergal Black for Andy Arkins, Adam McManus, Shane Butler and Jake O’ Rourke.