Kildare fall to Meath in opening Division 2A League clash

Meath 2-20

Kildare 3-14

Kildare had to endure an inspired performance from Meath goalkeeper Charlie Ennis as he helped the home side pick up a valuable two points in the opening round of the Allianz National League 2A encounter after they ran out three point winners in a blustery Pairc Tailteann Navan.

After the exploits of 2023 where Kildare contested the final of Division 2A they were anxious to return to winning ways against newly promoted Meath and woukd have been most people's favourites to succeed.

Kildare enjoyed a three point Kehoe Cup victory over Meath only seven days earlier but both sides elected to make changes to their starting line ups.

Kildare going with a mixture of youth and experience whereas Meath who only retained nine starters from last year's promoted side were forced into a relatively new lineup.

A strong breeze into the town end meant Kildare, who enjoyed that early advantage,needed to set up an early half time lead.
After a decent opening 13 minutes the visitors lead 1-3 to 0-1.

Jack Higgins and Jack Sheridan, from a free, opened the Kildare account before Cathal Dowling played in Cian Boran for the games opening goal.

Tom Shine responded with a point on eight but it would be the 22nd minute before Meath raised a second white flag.
Kildare were dominating the exchanges and two brilliant saves from Charlie Ennis denied Jack Sheridan and Cian Boran of further Kildare goals.

Sheridan did convert the 65 following his goal attempt. Conn Kehoe landed a huge point from out on the left and Kildare were seven ahead as we passed the 20th minute.

Muiris Curtin again brought the best out of Ennis as his shot looked destined for the net.

An inspired five minute spell saw Meath reduce the gap to a single point. Nicholas Potterton added a goal and a point before Jack Toher, and Padraig O'Hanrahan added to the tally .

Niall McLarnon and Padraig O Hanrahan,from a free, swapped points with Jack Sheridan and Jack Higgins but Kildare lead 1-9 to 1-7 at the break.

It was unlikely that the two point lead would be enough for the Lilywhites. Meath had that stiffning breeze on their backs from the restart and it was going to be a stern challenge for Kildare.

Jack Toher sent over a wonderful sideline cut from 50 metres inside two minutes before Cian Boran responded after excellent work from Jack Higgins.

Before the 42nd minute Sean Martin and a Padraig O'Hanrahan,from a free, had Meath back level.
James Burke and Jack Higgins combined to set up Muiris Curtin but the lead was shortlived as straight from the puckout the ball landed on the Kildare 20 metre line and corner forward Nicholas Potterton reacted quickest to fire low across Paddy McKenna for his second goal and Meath were ahead for the first time.

Kildare introduced James Burke to tge fray for his first appearance of the year and while he was bound to be rusty he did bring life to the Kildare attack.

James Murray pushed Meath three ahead and two wides from O'Hanrahan should have had the home side further afain.
As you would have expected Kildare responded and good work from Cathal Dowling saw him play in an unmarked Conn Kehoe and the big Moorefield man shot low to the net.

When you thought Kildare had timed their comeback to perfection it was Meath who responded best to Kehoe's goal.
Points from Jack Toher, O'Hanrahan with 2 and Sean Martin pushed he Royals four ahead.Charlie Ennis then pulled off a wonder save from Jack Sheridan and you just felt it was going to be Meath's day.

Kildare could only muster a second Muiris Curtin point but Meath had the bit between their teeth and pushed six ahead as four minutes of injury time were signalled.

James Burke reduced the gap to three with a well taken goal but the clock wasn't in their favour and the whistle sounded for a 2-20 to 3-14 Meath victory.

A disappointing opening to Kildare's league campaign as the short trip to Navan was expected to yield a victory. There will be some positives for manager Brian Dowling and his team.Daire Guerin Jack Higgins and Conn Kehoe all serving reminders of their ability at this level. However Meath's greater hunger and intensity will leave something to work on before Laois come to Newbridge at the weekend.

KILDARE: Paddy McKenna, Cian Shanahan, Sean Christanseen, Mark Grace, Simon Leacy, Conan Boran Rian Boran 0-1, Paul Dolan, Daire Guerin, Cathal Dowling, Jack Sheridan 0-7 (5 frees, two 65s) Jack Higgins 0-2, Muiris Curtin 0-2, Declan Flaherty, Cian Boran 1-1. Subs: Conn Kehoe 1-1 for Paul Dolan 12 minutes; James Burke 1-0 for Declan Flaherty 43 minutes; James Dolan for Brian Dowling 64 minutes.

MEATH: Charlie Ennis; Jarleth Ennis, Shane Whitty Ronan Byrne, Niall McLarnon 0-1, Simon Ennis 0-1, Ethan Devine, Sean Quigley, Tom Shine 0-1 , James Toher 0-4 (1 s/l), James Murray 0-1, Seanie Martin 0-2 Nicky Potterton 2-1, James Kelly, Padraig O'Hanrahan 0-7 (6 frees, one 65). Subs: Sean Geraghty 0-1 for Jarleth Ennis (15 minutes); Daire Shine 0-1 for Sean Quigley (53 minutes); Kris Gorman for James Kelly (65 minutes); Mark Horan for Tom Shine (68 minutes); Mickey Burke for Seanie Martin (74 minutes).

REFEREE: Colm McDonald (Antrim).