Kildare put in spirited display but suffer 12 point defeat to Antrim

Allianz NHL Division 2A

Kildare put in a fine attacking performance away to Antrim today but a poor defensive showing saw them suffer their second league defeat in seven days.

The Saffron began in determined fashion, hitting the first four scores of the game, with Ciaran Clarke firing over two of those. Kildare soon settled however, and points from Gerry Keegan and Philip Cocoman, followed by a Jack Sheridan goal, saw them go in front.

Antrim assumed complete control of the tie for the remainder of the half and a goal from Saul McCaughan helped the hosts into a 1-15 to 1-6 half-time lead.

The game was as good as gone for the Lilywhites, and though they managed to find the net twice through Gerry Keegan and Ryan Cases, while Paul Keegan and Martin Fitzgerald tagged on points, Antrim were able to see the game out in second gear.

It's the Lilywhites second loss of the campaign to date, and a relegation battle looms if they can't turn it around in the next game.