13-man Kildare pulled off one of hurling's biggest shocks with a stunning 0-16 to 1-12 victory over Wexford in the Leinster U20 championship at Newbridge this evening.

Managed by former Carlow hurler Pat English, the Lilywhites were rank outsiders but worthy winners in the second round encounter, despite their numerical disadvantage.

Centre-forward Liam Dempsey was unerring for English's men, scoring 0-14 (twelve frees), including seven placed balls in the first-half by the end of which they deservedly led 0-10 to 0-4 at St Conleth's Park. Kildare were reduced to 14 men when midfielder Harry Dunne was sent off just before the break and went down to 13 when Wexford still trailed by four points with five minutes of normal time remaining.

Three down in injury-time, the visitors were handed a lifeline as referee Thomas Gleeson awarded a penalty for AJ Redmond to bring the sides level with extra-time looming. Wexford's tails were up and Mark Byrne pointed them in front for the first time in the contest.

Kildare still had plenty of time to respond but they needed someone to take command and up stepped Dempsey as he sent over an equaliser and then the winner.

Elsewhere, Laois continued their rich scoring form by comfortably beating Ulster representatives Antrim 4-27 to 0-7 at Pairc Tailteann. 

After scoring the 'point of the year' against Westmeath last week, James Duggan bagged 2-4 for the O'Moore County in Navan.

In the All-Ireland U20HC B preliminary round tie at Markievicz Park, Sligo defeated their Connacht rivals Mayo 2-14 to 1-14.

 

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