Carlow collected their first league points and gave new manager, Paddy Morrissey, his first win in this close encounter with neighbours, Kilkenny, at Dr Cullen Park, Carlow, yesterday.

In truth, Carlow were lucky to beat their lowly opponents and with only seven minutes remaining the sides were tied at 2-4 to 1-7, with Kilkenny backed by the strong wind.

Carlow, up to that stage, had failed to record a second half score. However, a splendid point from play by midfielder Derek Tracey and a 55th-minute goal from Willie Quinlan provided the home side with a cushion.

Carlow led 2-4 to 1-4 at half-time but overall this may be seen as a moral victory by Kilkenny, who remain pointless.

Carlow: J Kearns; N Sheehy, N Corden, P O'Dwyer; P Curran, N Bambrick, B Farrell; C Kelly, D Tracey (0-1); W Quinlan (1-1), S Kavanagh, P Nolan (1-0); L Kelly, R Donnelly (0-2), J Nevin (1-2). Subs: B Hannon for Sheehy; P Doyle for O'Dwyer; N Doyle for L Kelly.

Kilkenny: E Mulrooney; N Purcell, N Morrissey, J Walsh; D Beirne, L Kenny, P Fewer; P Brennan (0-1), P Mullally (0-1); R Mullally (0-1), J Lonergan, J Young (0- 1); B Leahy, C O Connaighle, J Maher (1- 5). Subs: L Dowling for Lonergan; L Cassin for O Connaighle.

Referee: P Fox, Westmeath.