McEneaney’s late goal wins it for Kilkerley

Kilkerley Emmets Newtown Blues 2-13 1-13

A LATE goal from Tadhg McEneaney helped secure an opening-day win for Kilkerley Emmets as they held off the challenge of Newtown Blues in a lively encounter.

There was never much between the teams throughout the game, but Kilkerley upped the pace in the final quarter and with McEneaney and - yet again - Shane Lennon providing vital scores they secured an impressive win.

McEneaney (four) and Lennon (three) accounted for all of Kilkerley’s points in the first half as the teams went in level at seven points apiece.

Hugh McGinn did his best to keep his side in the game as he contributed four points, while Ian Connor, Ciaran Downey and Colm Judge all got their names on the scoresheet.

The hosts were given a huge boost at the start of the second half when Conal McEneaney nipped in for the first goal of the game, but the Blues struck back with points from Robert Carr (three) and Downey.

The Drogheda men then grabbed the initiative when a goal from Ian Connor put them 1-11 to 1-9 in front, and at that stage they looked on course for victory. However, it was the home side who picked up the pace and two points apiece from McEneaney and Lennon had them in front again before McEneaney got in for the vital goal.

The Blues battled to try to save the game but could only manage points from Carr and Judge as the Emmets held out for victory.