Goals help Kildare into 6 point half-time lead over Meath despite nervy finish to the first half

Meath 0-7

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It has been an exhilarating first 35 minutes of football here in Navan, and although Meath have roared back into this game, Kildare still hold a two-goal lead at the break.

They got the perfect start when league debutant Ben McCormack netted a goal after 16 seconds, and fine points from Kevin Feely, Daniel Flynn and a couple from Keith Cribbin had the visitors 1-6 to 0-2 up after 19 minutes. A fine goal from Athy man Niall Kelly further supplemented their lead, but Kildare have dropped off the pace and became a little bit wasteful on front of goal.

Meath scored five points between the 24th and the 33rd minute, with Donal Lenihan leading the charge, and were it not for a fine save from Mark Donnellan on Cian O'Sullivan on the stroke of half-time, Meath could be within one score.

Despite the six-point lead, Kildare are by no means home yet, and if they continue in the same vein as they finished the first half, it could be a very nervy second half.