Hyland and McLoughlin combine for 1-8 to put Kildare in firm control at half-time in U20 final

Kildare   1-13

Mayo      1-9

All-Ireland U20 Football Championship final

Jimmy Hyland has bagged six points from play and Brian McLoughlin has scored 1-2 as Kildare lead Mayo by 1-13 to 1-9 at the break in Croke Park.

It has been an enthralling and open game so far, with both sides’ orthodox styles providing plenty of opportunities on front of goal. There has only been three wides kicked in the opening half hour, with Mayo kicking a couple of those, in what has been an impressively accurate shooting display by both teams.

The midfield battle has been hotly contested and extremely physical as neither side has really gained control in that area, but it is up front where Kildare are doing most damage as the trio of Brian McLoughlin, Hyland and Paddy Woodgate have torn Mayo to shreds.

Hyland’s shooting has been imperious so far, but he has been helped with some superb supply balls from the likes of Woodgate, Aaron Masterson, Darragh Ryan and Tony Archbold.

McLoughlin netted a seventh minute goal to put the Lilywhites well in control as they managed to pull 1-4 to 0-2 clear early on, and they were in a commanding 1-10 to 0-6 lead before Mayo rallied with a couple of Ross Egan points either side of a Ryan O’Donoghue goal in the 22nd minute.

Kildare look to be well positioned if they can retain their accuracy in front of goal in the second half.