Kildare dig deep to deny Wicklow with late, late winner

A more dramatic game of football at Portlaoise this afternoon saw Kildare break Wicklow hearts with a punched point from Jack Sargent in the 75 minute, that after Wicklow drew level with a penalty in the 72 minute through Joe Prendergasst.

After that Wicklow had a golden chance when they over-turned Kildare and Matt Nolan had an empty goal to shoot at with Mark Donnellan up the pitch but the wing-back's effort from 45m saw his effort go right and wide.

Then in a last gasp attack a high ball in from Kevin Feely was caught by Niall Kelly who passed to Jack Sargent who punched over the winner.

Kildare, having played with a strong wind, led at the break by two points, 0-9 to 0-7 after a game that was turned on it's head in a five minute spell. Kevin Feely was off with a blood injury, replaced by Paddy Woodgate but five minutes later was off again with the same problem and after he returned after two minutes Paddy Woodgate re-appeared for the third time this time replacing Darragh Kirwan.

And as all that was evolging Kildare mid fielder Kevin Flynn was shown a straight red card for a high challenge on Patrick O'Keane, a decision that the Kildre man could have had no complaints.

Earlier Kildare had been doing well, attacking well, Kevin Feely hit five points in that opening half, Niall Kelly two beaties while Aaron Masterson gave the fans something to cheer about with a long range effort.

Wicklow though hung in and no doubt were happy with a two point deficit at the break Kevin Quinn (2 frees), Christopher O'Brien (2), Dean Healy and Darrag Fee being the scorers.

And then that dramatic finaish.

Incredible stuff.

Heartbreak for Wicklow but for Kildare finally a win that has eluded them all season.

Next up in two weeks time Louth of Wexford

Scorers: Kildare, Kevin Flynn 0-7 (5 frees), Niall Kelly 0-3, Paddy Woodgate 0-2 (1 free), Darragh Kirwan 0-2, Aaron Masterson 0-1, Jack Sargent 0-1.

Wicklow, Joe Prendergasst 1-0 (penalty), Kevin Quinn 0-2 (2 frees), Christopher O'Brien 0-2, Dean Healy 0-2, Darragh Fee 0-2, To Moran 0-1, John Paul Nolan 0-1, Oisin McGraynor 0-1 (free), Patrick O'Keane 0-1,

KILDARE: Mark Donnellan; Ryan Burke, Shea Ryan, Mick O'Grady; Jack Sargent, Eoin Doyle, Paddy McDermott; Aaron Masterson, Kevin Flynn; Alex Beirne, Niall Kelly, Shane Farrell; Kevin Feely, Darragh Kirwan, Daniel Flynn. Subs: Brian Byrne for Mick O'Grady (23 minutes); Paddy Woodgate for Kevin Feely (BS 27-30); Paddy Woodgate for Darragh Kirwan (38 minutes); Tony Archbold for Paddy McDermott (61 minutes); Harry O'Neill for Brian Byrne (63 minutes): Shane O'Sullivan for Shane Farrell (69 minutes); Ryan Houlihan for Shea Ryan (BS 70-72 minutes);

WICKLOW: Shane Doyle; Tom Moran, Malachy Stone, Cillian McDonald; Matt Nolan, Patrick O'Keane, Gavin Fogarty; Dean Healy, Craig Maguire; Darragah Fee, Christoher O'Brien, Jack Kirwan; Jonathan Carlin, Kevin Quinn, John Paul Nolan. Subs: Joe Prendergast for Patrick O'Keane (BS 31-33); Gearóid Murphy for Jonathaan Carlin (33 minutes); Oisín McGraynor for Craig Maguire (62 minutes); Joe Prendergast for Patrick O'Keane (BS 62-63); Joe Prendergast for Jack Kirwan (69 minutes).

REFEREE: Sean Lonergan, Tipperary.