Reidy to the rescue in Geraldines win

GERALDINES KILKERLEY EMMETS 3-10 1-12

SUBSTITUTE Stephen Reidy came off the bench to score a goal in the closing stages and help Geraldines to their first win of the season at Haggardstown as they overcame the challenge of Kilkerley Emmets.

The Gers had to recover from a very bad start that saw them fall six points behind before hitting back to register their first victory and in the process move off the bottom of the table.

The Emmets came flying out of the blocks and Tadgh McEneaney opened the scoring with a goal before Shane Lennon followed up with three successive points.

The home side composed themselves with points from Jim McEneaney and Dara Hamill before the former got his team right back in contention with a goal and soon after he levelled the game at 1-3 apiece.

Kilkerley then went three ahead again thanks to McEneaney, Lennon and Sean Hand only for McEneaney to respond with another three and tie the game once more. However, just before the break Daniel McKeown struck a point to put Kilkerley ahead by 1-7 to 1-6.

McEneaney and Lennon added further points to go three ahead but the Gers then took command with Dara Hamill putting his team in front for the first time when he bagged 1-2. Sub Stephen Reidy then put his side firmly in control with a third goal for the Gers.

The Emmets rallied briefly but late points from Hamill and Shane O’Hanlon made sure the hosts held out for an important win.