Kilkenny boss Derek Lyng reacts to decent start in Allianz Hurling League

For the first time since 2018 Kilkenny came away from Wexford Park with a victory over their close rivals last weekend as their extra experience told in an eight-point success.

Cats boss Derek Lyng was pleased with aspects of the display while knowing, there is still plenty to work on.

“We were good in the first half and the workrate was good all over the field.

“Wexford then upped it a bit in the second half like we knew they would and we found it hard for spells of the second period as a result.

“I wouldn’t be happy overall with the second half display but we’ll take the win down in Wexford Park for now.

“We brought on a few lads as we had a couple of knocks here or there and we got the win and the two points but it’s no more than that and we will get back to training next week.”

Kilkenny put the game beyond any doubt when Mossy Keoghan netted two opening half goals but the Emeralds man felt his team could have been more ruthless after letting their opponents back into the game.

“The pleasing thing is that we were creating goal chances in the first half which is a positive but you need to be taking those opportunities when they present themselves,” Lyng added.

Saturday’s victory saw Stephen Donnelly make his first start in a competitive game for Kilkenny while youngsters Killian Doyle and Harry Shine were also out to impress and the manager is pleased with the attitude and application of the players.

“The effort is really good among the players and it’s not easy to step up at all and it can take a few matches for lads to settle in and we saw new players tonight that we didn’t see in other games as we’d a few injuries and sometimes it’s hard to get a bit of consistency.

“I’m very happy with the effort and attitude of the lads and with many games to come in the next few weeks and months, they will be getting more opportunities and I’ve no doubt they will improve.”

Finding consistency in their performance is key for Lyng as he knows they won’t be at their brilliant best every time they take the field.

“We didn’t start well last week against Galway so it was pleasing that we improved in that area but we know our performance levels will ebb and flow and we just need to find a consistency over 70 minutes ideally.

“We are playing top class opposition throughout the league so you aren’t going to control games all the time so it’s about limiting the damage the opposition do to you and we are far from perfect we know that,” he finished.