Kilkenny Soccer: Glory for ’Green as Maher Shield comes to Kells Road

Evergreen got the St Patrick’s Weekend off to a winning start by getting their hands on Maher Shield.

Mikey Clifford and David Grincell were the toast of the Kells Road as their second half double wrestled the title from holders Freebooters under the lights In Thomastown on Saturday night.

In a tight first half both sides had early chances - 'Booters went close when Grr Hayes brought a good save from Cian Rowe before Andrew Wall sent a thundering shot crashing off the Blues crossbar.

Gary Maher’s side would hit the woodwork again before the break through Clifford. Freebooters were happy to survive that scare, but their victory efforts were hampered when they lost both David Rice and Jim Ryan to first half injuries.

Despite the absence of two key players Shane Kelly’s men had the best of the early second half chances, going close when Danny Kenny saw his wicked 49th minute header clatter the bar.

Evergreen upped their efforts after that and began to work the ball around, holding possession until an opportunity arose.

Then, on 61 minutes, they found it. After Ify Nzewi prised open a gap with a clever ball to the left Andrew Wall teed up Clifford to drill a low inside the left post.

Freebooters hit back, Jason Hennessy bringing a good save from Cian Rowe but Evergreen regained their composure and made the game safe 16 minutes from time, sub David Grincell pouncing on a rebound after Lee Costello’s shot had been saved.

See this week’s People Sport for full match report.