Efficient Kilmainhamwood make it two from two

TAILTEANN CUPSport

Kilmainhamwood's impressive start to life under Stephen Smith and his management team continued as they scored an excellent 2-11 to 1-9 victory over Cortown.

The teams shared the opening four points to be tied at the water break, but the game changed in the second quarter Cortown lost goalkeeper Ryan O'Rourke to injury and conceded quickfire goals from Brian Cassidy and David Russell which boosted Kilmainhamwood to a seven point lead.

However when Kilmainhamwood they temporarily lost Odhran Keoghan to injury and were down to 14 men they allowed Cortown back into the game as Brian Smith found the net.

Cortown closed the gap further after the break with scores from Davy Rispin and Smith, but Alan Carolan settled Kilmainhamwood with a long range point.

Niall Bennett brought his tally to four points with his accurate free-taking to ensure a five-point lead at the second water break.

Cortown were awarded a lifeline in the final 10 minutes when they were gifted a penalty and Kilmainhamwood were reduced to 14 men, but Damien Russell saved Tommy Smith's spot kick to ensure the 'Wood made it two wins from two.

Kilmainhamwood - Damo Russell; Dean Carolan, Padraig Barber, Paul Carolan; Harry Corbally, Cathal Bennett, Jamie Fagan; Kian Gillespie, Brian Cassidy; Odhran Keogan, Niall Bennett (0-4), Paddy Carolan; Paidi Owens (1-1), Dave Russell (1-0), Niall Conlan (0-5). Subs - Alan Carolan (0-1) for Keogan, Andy Farrelly for Owens.

Cortown - Ryan O'Rourke; John McGearty (0-1), Barry Canning, Mikey Rennicks; Stevie Clarke, Cormac Lindsay (0-1), Luca Brady; Hugh Staunton, Decky Clarke; Luke Carberry, Ciaran Keating (0-1), Ivor O'Halloran; Davy Rispin (0-4), Tommy Smith, Brían Smith (1-2). Subs - Kevin Muldoon for O'Rourke, Odhran Henry for D Clarke, Daragh O'Halloran for I O'Halloran, Daragh Smith for S Clarke.