Poor final 10 minutes leaves Kildare trailing Tyrone by one point at half-time in Newbridge

Kildare    0-10

Tyrone    1-8

Allianz NFL Division 1

Kildare have let a commanding position slip late in the first half as they trail Tyrone by a single point at half-time in this vital National League clash in Newbridge.

Kildare began the game in excellent fashion as they tagged on four points without reply in the opening 10 minutes as they dominated the midfield territory and looked vibrant in attack. Fergal Conway was the star of the opening half, kicking two fine points in those opening 10 minutes, while Ben McCormack and Kevin Feely also added scores.

Tyrone settled into the game, with Lee Brennan notching two points from frees and both Niall Sludden and Tiarnan McCann posting scores, but Kildare remained in relative control as Feely and Mark Donnellan hit the target from placed balls, while Paul Cribbin landed an exceptional score from distance.

Tyrone roared into contention in the final 10 minutes of the half however, with Lee Brennan's goal the pivotal score in the 28th minute, while some exceptional points from Niall Sludden helped edge them into the lead for the first time.

Feely at least ended the first period on a good note for Kildare with the last play of the half, leaving this game finely balanced going into the second half.