Woodgate goal proves crucial as Kildare see off Wicklow

Kildare were pushed harder that some might have thought by Wicklow but Paddy Woodgate's 60th minute goal eventually proved pivotal as they booked their place in the Leinster semi-final.

This game in Netwatch Cullen Park was delayed by 10 minutes due to crowd congestion and those in attendance were treated to a good spectacle.

Wicklow had cut the Kildare lead back to just three points with 11 minutes remaining and there was growing confidence among the Wicklow contingent in the stands that Oisin McConville’s team could cause a major upset.

However, that belief was evaporated in the blink of an eye when Woodgate crashed a shot into the Wicklow net.

The nippy corner forward is not known for the strength of his right-footed kicking, but marked his first championship start with a strike to remember after he had been teed up by Kevin Flynn.

From there, Kildare coasted to victory and there was a ten point gap between the teams at the end.

The opening 25 minutes of the game had been nip and tuck, with Wicklow giving every bit as good as they got.

They arrived into the game on the crest of a wave after securing promotion from Division 4 and a first round win over Carlow, displaying no fear of Kildare in the early exchanges.

The Lilywhites kicked some good scores themselves, with Alex Beirne and Jack Robinson scoring a brace apiece, and they led by 0-5 to 0-4.

However, Kildare moved up a gear in the last 10 minutes of the half and the quality of their attack began to show.

Ben McCormack kicked two excellent scores from around the 45 metre line either side of creating a goalscoring chance for Darragh Kirwan, whose shot was only six inches the wrong side of the post.

Kirwan, Woodgate and Kevin Flynn scored in the closing stages of the half to