Ryan powers Lilies to glory

WICKLOW almost produced a stunning comeback to snatch victory over Kildare despite a nine-point half-time deficit in this Round 1 clash.

Injury-time points from Kevin Ahearne and Shane Ryan sent Kildare through after an Enda Donohoe 65 levelled the game in the 57th minute.

Kildare were the better team in the first half with the aid of a strong breeze.

The Lilies hit 1-9 in the first half, to Wicklow’s three points, Jack Sheridan landing two wonderful sidelines while Ryan beat two men for the goal.

The roles were reversed in the second half however, and when Donohoe hit the back of the Kildare net at the midway point, Wicklow were back within four points.

Christy Moorehouse and Padraig O’Toole added two points each from midfield keeping Kildare to a point for a 20-minute spell.

Both teams had chances to win in injury time but Kildare converted their shots.

Elsewhere, Donegal will face Sligo after beating Tyrone 2-4 to 3-13 at Killyclogher.

SCORERS – Kildare: J Burke (5f, 1 ‘65) 0-6; S Ryan 1-2; J Sheridan (2 s-l) 0-2; S Lawlor, C Melville, B Cormack, K Ahearne 0-1 each. Wicklow: E Donohoe (5f, 2 ‘65) 1-7; C Moorehouse, P O’Toole 0-2 each; G Hughes 0-1f.

KILDARE – M Doyle; S Lacey, R Hogan, L Behan; D Greene, A Kelly, R Gavin; S Lawlor, J Travers; D Murphy, J Burke, C Melville; B Cormack, S Ryan; J Sheridan. Subs: S Mac Donnacha for L Behan (18), C Kielty for J Travers (36), K Ahearne for R Gavin (41).

WICKLOW – C Staunton; A Kinsella, M Treanor, B Kearney; P Byrne, A Kavanagh, O Furlong; C Moorehouse, L Benville; L Evans, P O’Toole, G Hughes; E Donohoe, S Germaine, J O’Neill. Subs: P Doyle for L Benville (22), A Byrne for L Evans (37).

REF – T Walsh (Waterford).