Two goals by Paul Barden and another from Niall Sheridan earned lively Longford a surprise win over understrength Kildare at Pearce Park.

Barden blasted the ball to the back of the net after eight minutes as Longford went on to lead by 1-5 to 0-5 at the break. Barden fired home a penalty early in the second half and Sheridan added the third goal in the 49th minute.

LONGFORD: G Tonra; P McWade, D Ledwith, P Jones; M Mulleady (0-1), D Blessington, C Conefrey; A Keogh (0-1), E Barden (0-4, two frees); P Brady, P Barden (2-1, goal from pen), P Ross; P Shanley, N Sheridan (1-2), P Davis (0- 3, one free). Subs: S Carroll for Shanley (halftime); B Burke for Mulleady (67 mins); A Neilon for Sheridan (69 mins); A O'Connor for Keogh (70 mins).

KILDARE: E Murphy; B Lacey, E Mulhall, I Keatley; D Hughes, G Ryan (0-1), M Wright; J Whelan, R Sweeney (0-2); C O'Reilly (0-2), J Doyle, K Donnelly, M Milham (0-1), G Keane, C Sheridan (0-6, one free). Subs: K Brophy (0-1) for Milham (29 mins); B French for Donnelly (halftime); P O'Reilly for Hughes (41 mins); J O'Connor for C O'Reilly (50 mins); D Quinnigan for Doyle (57 mins).

Referee: N Cooney (Offaly).