Antrim tame Kingdom

Kerry 0-12 Antrim 1-15, Tralee

Antrim made a winning start in Allianz NHL Division 2, breaking clear of an energetic Kerry side in the second half in Tralee.

Darren Dineen nudged Kerry into a 0-08 to 1-04 lead at the break, converting a scoring opportunity in injury-time. The Kingdom side had stood their ground after leaking a 19th minute goal to Antrim's PJ O'Connell.

The hosts opened the second half with two more points, but the introduction of Shane McNaughton at centre-forward worked a treat for the Saffrons, who were without their Loughgiel players.

They got back on terms and kicked on with their physical strength helping them maintain the lead. They had a let-off in the 52nd minute though, when Darragh O'Connell could only point a penalty for Kerry.

But scores from McNaughton, Karl McKeegan, Simon McCrory, Thomas McCann and Colm McFall got Dinny Cahill's men over the finish line.