Kilkenny see off Wexford to book place in Leinster decider

TJ Reid notched 1-13 including a second half penalty as Kilkenny narrowly defeated Wexford to secure a place in next month's Leinster Final with Dublin.

Derek Lyng's team only needed a draw to secure a return to Croke Park but on the back of losing the last two championship meetings to their near neighbours, the home side came out all guns blazing.

A Conor McDonald goal gave Wexford the first half edge but backed by a devastating third quarter, Kilkenny gained control with TJ Reid, Paddy Deegan and Mikey Carey all excelling for the winners.

Played in front of over 18,000 supporters, Wexford brought the challenge to the Noresiders and looked in good shape when leading by five points at one stage but apart from Cian Byrne and Conor McDoanld who were both very good up front, an aggressive Kilkenny defence played their part in a big display.

Between the 30th and 52nd minutes, Kilkenny outscored the Model County 1-9 to 0-2 with TJ Reid's penalty giving the defending Leinster champions some breathing space on the scoreboard.

The penalty award wasn't without some controversy all the same as the foul on Eoin Cody occured outside the square a black card wasn't awarded to a Wexford player either.

Kilkenny got the rub of the green there and when TJ and Cody both pointed afterwards, the Cats were in a great position as they led 1-20 to 1-14.

TJ knocked over three more frees before the end and they were definitley needed as Wexford sprung a late comeback that was brought to life by a well taken Cian Byrne goal five minutes from time.

Wexford sensed an opportunity and Lee Chin, Conor McDonald and Conor Hearne all pointed but Kilkenny did enough and stood tall to qualify for a seventh Leinster Final on the trot.

Teams and Scorers

Kilkenny: TJ Reid (1-13, 12fs); Billy Ryan, Paddy Deegan (0-3 each); Mikey Carey, Richie Reid, John Donnelly, Martin Keoghan, Eoin Cody (0-1 each)

Wexford: Lee Chin (0-7, 6fs); Cian Byrne (1-3); Conor McDonald (1-2); Cathal Dunbar, Rory O'Connor (0-2 each); Conor Hearne, Liam Og McGovern, Kevin Foley, Jack O'Connor (0-1 each)

Kilkenny; Eoin Murphy; Mikey Butler, Huw Lawlor, Tommy Walsh; David Blanchfield, Richie Reid, Mikey Carey; Cian Kenny, Paddy Deegan; John Donnelly, TJ Reid, Tom Phelan; Martin Keoghan, Billy Ryan, Eoin Cody.

Subs: Conor Fogarty for Phelan, h-t; Walter Walsh for Keoghan, 61 mins; Owen Wall for Ryan, 71 mins; Harry Shine for Kenny, 72 mins.

Wexford: Mark Fanning; Shane Reck, Conor Foley, Eoin Ryan; Liam Ryan, Damien Reck, Matthew O'Hanlon; Conor Hearne, Cathal Dunbar; Richie Lawlor, Lee Chin, Liam Og McGovern; Cian Byrne, Conor McDonald, Rory O'Connor.

Subs: Kevin Foley for Lawlor, 51 mins; Jack O'Connor for Dunbar, 55 mins; Charlie McGuckin for Og McGovern, 59 mins.

Referee; Liam Gordon (Galway)