In National League terms it may have been Division One against Division Four in this O'Byrne Cup tie at Dr Cullen Park, Carlow yesterday, but the home county certainly suffered from no inferiority complex as they pushed the Lilywhites all the way.

Lifted by the large home support in the attendance of 2,000, Carlow led in the opening stages through a Sean Kavanagh point from a free. However, Kildare had goals from Martin Lynch in the 10th and 20th minutes and corner forward Paul McCormack chipped in with a third goal in the 27th minute. Kildare led 3-2 to 15 at half time.

In a goalless second half Carlow matched Kildare, and had the outstanding player on the pitch in Willie Quinlan, but they continued to show vulnerability in defence. This led to a 41st minute Kildare penalty, but Lynch, going for a hat trick of goals, crashed his shot on to the Carlow crossbar.

Only two points separated the sides late into the game, but Carlow substitute Garvan Ware wasted a chance of a goal when he shot early and wide after being cleverly placed by Colm Hayden.