New Zealand international Gavin Wilkinson chose a most opportune time to shoot his first goal for Kilkenny as it decided this uninspiring FAI Cup third-round replay at Buckley Park last night. Wilkinson scored from a free kick in the 120th minute with a penalty shoot-out looking ominous.
Carlos Rocha was fouled just outside the box and with the Cherry Orchard defence somewhat disorganised, Wilkinson powered his well aimed shot into the bottom right-hand corner of the net.
The victory earned Kilkenny a home quarter-final tie with Bohemians. But the Dubliners will hardly be unduly worried unless Kilkenny somehow discover the art of scoring goals.
While Cherry Orchard were tight and disciplined at the back, they rarely presented any form of scoring threat. Kilkenny attacked and attacked; but they just couldn't find their touch in front of goal.
Before the decisive strike, the best Kilkenny chance came in the 103rd minute. A penetrating ball from Derek McGrath was crashed on target by Paul McAreavey; however Cherry Orchard goalkeeper Brendan Kennedy brought off a brilliant fingertip save and both Carolos Rocha and Billy Walsh failed to bundle the ball home from close range.
KILKENNY CITY: Nelson; Purdy, Murphy, Wilkinson, Mulcahy, Johnson, Parkes, McGrath, Rocha, O'Byrne, McAreavey. Subs: O'Neill for O'Byrne (73 mins); Brennan for Purdy (90 mins); Walsh for Parkes (102 mins).
CHERRY ORCHARD: Kennedy, Barry, Luby, Smith, Harrington, Curley, Horan, Dunne, Christie, Reid, O'Brien. Subs: McNeill for Luby (46 mins); Togher for Dunne (66 mins); Kenny for Christie (105 mins).
Referee: J Feighery (Dublin).
