Kildare reel in Down to grab win

Kildare 1-16 Down 1-11

Kildare slowed Down's flying start to grab a six-point victory, largely thanks to Tadhg Fennin.

Down got off to a flying start with a first minute goal by Liam Doyle but Kildare steadied and Tadhg Fennin raised the green flag 10 minutes from the interval to give Kildare a half-time lead of 1-9 to 1-5.

The second half was predictable enough with Kildare forging ahead by 0-9 after 15 minutes.

To their credit Down fought back but missed by five kickable frees and Kildare held out for a 1-16 to 1-0 victory.

All six Kildare forwards scored and Tadgh Fennin was top scorer was 1-6.