First half masterclass from Feely helps Kildare into a slender lead over Down

Down 0-3

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Kildare have met a defensive wall up in Newry but have managed to more than hold their own as they enter the half-time break holding a slender advantage over an extremely negative Down side.

Playing with 14 men behind the ball when not in possession, Down have managed to almost entirely stifle Kildare's attack as the Lilywhites struggle to penetrate the blanket defence that they've met upon arrival at the Mourne men's '45, and, as a spectacle, it hasn't been great.

Barry O'Hagan has kicked a couple of decent scores from play for the hosts, while Kildare's standout performer has been midfielder Kevin Feely. The Athy man has fielded three marks so far and scored two points from frees while also setting up Tommy Moolick for the Lilywhites' only point from play in the opening 35 minutes.

Chris Healy was a late withdrawal from the team before throw-in, seemingly through injury, and his place was taken by Conor Hartley, who, much like the rest of the Kildare forward line has struggled to find any space on front of goal.

Kildare will be playing into a strong wind and a heavy sheet of rain in the second half, but a win here would be a huge result in the face of much adversity on their trip up north.