Kildare off the mark in Division 2A of the Allianz Hurling League after win over Kerry

Kildare picked up their first win of the Allianz Hurling League Division 2A as they ran out seven-point winners over a Kerry side who themselves had only recorded one victory before their long journey north.

The Lilywhites improved again after their last outing draw away to Down in Ballycran and with one round remaining a victory over near neighbours Carlow might still seal a semi-final berth.

Louis Dee made a wonderful save from James Burke inside the opening 30 seconds and it was Kerry who eventually opened the scoring through a Maurice O Connor free after two minutes.

David Qualter, replacing the injured Jack Sheridan, levelled from a placed ball 60 seconds later before Cian Boran and Qualter, again from a free, pushed Kildare two ahead. Maurice O Connor added his second but such was Kildare's early dominance they deservedly pushed three ahead courtesy of a long range Simon Leacy effort and a third Qualter free.

The visitors, who only retained eight of the team who enjoyed a six-point victory over Kildare on their last visit to Manguard Park, started to win more primary possession around the middle and coupled with some poor Kildare decision making they added three points in a row to level matters at the end of the opening quarter. Killian Hayes and Dan Goggin raising white flags before O Connor added his third free.

James Burke got his name on the scoreboard for the hosts with a free from just inside his own 45. Cian Boran got on the end of a Muiris Curtin pass as Kildare opened a gap again .David Qualter capitalised on a Daire Guerin foul and he added a '65 after Cian Boran's goalbound effort was expertly saved by Louis Dee again.

The O Connor's - Kyle and Maurice - swapped points with Muiris Curtin and James Burke and