Evergreen A Dominates Freebooters in Kilkenny League Showdown

Adverse weather conditions did not deter teams in the Kilkenny & District League from competing in the latest round of matches, including those in the league’s top divisions and the Pat Maher Shield. The action on March 10, 2024, included significant results that could impact the standings as teams vie for supremacy.

Evergreen A Claims Victory Over Freebooters A

In the St Canice’s Credit Union Junior Premier Division, Evergreen A secured a decisive 3-0 victory against Freebooters A at Fair Green. This result allowed Evergreen to move two points clear at the top of the table, enhancing their championship bid. Freebooters, now sitting third, find themselves eight points behind the leaders.

The match began with a tightly contested first half, where both teams struggled for dominance. The breakthrough came in the 18th minute, when Sam Hickey scored for Evergreen, putting them ahead. The score remained 1-0 at halftime, but the second half saw Evergreen exert more control. David Grincell doubled the lead shortly after the hour mark, tapping in his ninth goal of the season. A penalty from Mikey Drennan in the 75th minute sealed the win, extinguishing any hopes of a comeback from Freebooters, whose late effort from El Harrak was ruled offside.

Bridge United Defeats Callan United

In another Premier Division clash, Bridge United overcame Callan United 3-1 despite playing with ten men for nearly half the match. This victory lifts Bridge United to within one point of third place, while Callan remains mired in difficulties, recording just one win this season.

The scoring opened early when Josh Barcoe delivered a well-placed free kick that found Craig Wall, who headed in the first goal after just five minutes. Seven minutes later, Pierce Blanchfield netted his second goal of the season, extending Bridge’s lead. Daire Dwyer capped off the dominant first half with a goal from the edge of the box in the 36th minute.

Bridge United faced a setback with the red card issued to Padraig Nolan, forcing them to play the remainder of the match a man down. Callan United managed to pull one back with a penalty from Shay O’Donovan in injury time, but it was not enough to alter the outcome.

As the league progresses, teams will continue to grapple with both the competition and the unpredictable weather that has characterized this season. The results from this round of matches are crucial as teams look to solidify their positions ahead of the playoffs.