THIS WAS the proverbial game of two halves as Antrim got the better of Kerry at Tralee's Austin Stack Park yesterday.

Antrim looked unbeatable at half time, dominating in all sectors and leading comprehensively by 3-7 to 0-4.

Their opening goal came in the 7th minute when a long free by Terence McNaughton caused problems for the home defence. As the ball broke loose Aidan Delargy whipped it first time to the net.

It took Kerry 15 minutes to open their account, a point by Christy Walsh.

Further points by Antrim's Gary O'Kane, Aidan Delargy and Conor McCambridge (2 frees) extended their lead to 1-6 to 0-1 after 24 minutes.

A long delivery by Aidan Delargy looked to be going over the bar, but ended up rebounding off the crossbar to the waiting, McConnon, who dispatched it to the net from close range.

Antrim further added to the home side's woes on the stroke of half time when Gregory O'Kane raced through to give goalkeeper John Healy no chance.

However, a spirited comeback by Kerry in the opening 10 minutes after the interval saw them score 2-4 without reply to narrow the margin to two points.

Paints from Sean Fitzgerald, Jerry O'Sullivan and a brace from Christy Walsh narrowed the margin further.

A pointed free by Conor McCambridge stemmed the tide. Antrim held their nerve and added further points to edge home by four points.