A relatively inexperienced Down side finished much the stronger to claim both points at Newbridge. The northern team started with five of the side which won last year's All-Ireland minor final against Mayo and, apart from goalkeeper Michael McVeigh, the oldest player on the starting 15 was just 24.

Following their defeat by Monaghan in the last game, Kildare made several changes to their team. All Stars Brian Lacey and Karl O'Dwyer were among those reintroduced to the team and Martin Ryan was recalled to full back after a prolonged absence.

But the Lilywhites were under pressure for much of the game which was played in wet and muddy conditions. Down fell behind in the very early stages but a goal from full forward Aidan O'Prey 10 minutes before half-time - the only goal of the game - set them up for the win. Kildare rallied with two points but were unable to get back on terms and a late free from Padraig Bradley gave Down a 1-5 to 0-5 half-time advantage.

Kildare showed some improvement for the second half. Ronan Sweeney won and distributed a good deal of possession at midfield and Dermot Earley was also prominent.

The Lilywhites closed the gap to a couple of points thanks to scores from Michael Wright and Tadgh Fennin towards the end of the third quarter but they failed to score again for the remainder of the game.

Down: M McVeigh; P McConville, C Byrne, B Grant; M McMurray, B Kearney, E Magee; A Molloy (0-1), L Doyle; S Mulholland, M Walsh (0-1), C Daly (0-6, five frees); P Bradley (0-4, three frees), A O'Prey (1-0), R Murtagh. Subs: M Magill for Byrne; P Shields for Magee; B Coulter for Walsh; K Oakes for Murtagh; B Burns for Doyle.

Kildare: C Byrne; J Bracken, Martin Ryan, B Lacey; D Hughes, M Wright (0-1), K Duane (0-1); R Sweeney, K Brennan (0-1), J Doyle; K O'Dwyer (0-1), D Earley (0-1); C O'Reilly, A McHugh, T Fennin (0-3, two frees). Sub: Michael Ryan for McHugh.

Referee: P Lyons (Kerry).