Kildare 0-08 Down 1-16

Former Aussie Rules starlet Martin Clarke made an impressive National League debut as he helped Down overcome Kildare by eleven points in Newbridge.

The key trio of Ambrose Rodgers at midfield, Clarke at centre-forward and his brother John at full-forward were influential at Down fought back to lead 1-07 to 0-06 at half-time.

Paul McComiskey netted in the 26th minute for the visitors and Robert Kelly (0-03) and Karl Ennis (0-02) top-scored in the opening half for the hosts.

Rodgers hit three points from play as Down dominated the second period and left a disappointing Kildare side trailing in their wake.

Kieran McGeeney's men scored only two points in the final 35 minutes, with the second of those coming deep into injury-time.

In front of a large crowd, Kildare made a blistering start as Dermot Earley teed up Straffan clubman Kelly for a point after only 14 seconds.

The Lilywhites welcomed Ronan Sweeney and James Kavanagh back into their full-forward line, but John Doyle and Morgan O'Flaherty were notable absentees due to their suspensions picked up in the O'Byrne Cup.

The sides went point for point during the opening 20 minutes, with plenty of attack-minded play and strong running from centre-field. McComiskey landed Down's first point on the turn and then kicked a free.

Ennis levelled for Kildare but missed a kickable free and Down, who score 3-63 in four Dr McKenna Cup games last month, edged ahead thanks to pointed efforts from John and Martin Clarke.

Kelly and Ennis got the home side back on terms, as Kildare's short passing game clicked into gear, and a switch to the route one tactic paid dividends when Kavanagh and Kelly registered scores.

However, Down nabbed the game's only goal shortly before half-time when Martin Clarke, whose distribution skills were a key factor, knocked a brilliant through ball in for McComiskey to beat goalkeeper Shane McCormack from close range.

McComiskey's first half haul of 1-03 showed his finishing quality, but the Clarke brothers and Benny Coulter were having just as much influence in open play.

Kildare were not able to cope with Down's fluid attacking style, and the second half turned into a cakewalk for James McCartan's well-drilled side.

Speaking after the game, McCartan said: 'We were expecting a stern test but were hopeful of winning because they had so many players missing. I think the hungrier team won.

'The two points were probably more important to us than Kildare.'