The Kingdom look to build on Dublin victory

Kerry left Croke Park last week with a sense of satisfaction that they had reminded everyone of their ability to grind out results against top sides, and that there is still a lot more to come.

For all that is made of Dublin's strength-in-depth, Kerry had some decent performances from some of their fringe players with James O’Donoghue and Barry John Keane doing well on the night.

Peter Crowley and Shane Enright coped well at the back and in a match where the wide count represented a time of year where players are far from their peak, it was the Kingdom that had more in reserve as the game wound down.

Young players in particular have found it difficult to break into the Kerry team recently and while there is not yet a need for a dramatic overhaul, more options in certain positions will be no harm.

It is foolish to read too much into last week’s win but it meant a lot to the players. The reaction from them at the full-time whistle was clear - the hurt remains, it will linger until a chance for proper revenge appears again, and there is never a danger of a Kerry team going down without a fight.

It was one-point that proved the difference last September when time ran out in Croker, and the small differences between the sides looks to still remain.

Jack O’Connor will hope that the inexperienced players can build up their confidence throughout this Allianz League campaign.

Armagh visit the Kingdom this week after the draw with Cork last week. The Orchard were truly appalling in the first-half in the Morgan Athletic Grounds against the Rebels.

Early-season or not, it was a woeful showing and in the second period they really made up for it. A considerable deficit was eradicated, albeit against 14-men, and the home fans really enjoyed seeing the rally from their players.

There is a worry over a lack of scores from play and it cost them dearly in the end when Cork managed to keep themselves scoring, resulting in a draw, when it could so easily have been two points for the Ulster side.

That will be the target this week but Kerry should build on their first win in this game.

Verdict: Kerry