There was plenty of play-off drama at Fahy's Field as Kildare County survived a first half fright before forcing a deserved draw against Mervue United.
Mervue thundered into the contest bagging a two goal lead inside the opening 30 minutes as their energetic approach disturbed Kildare.
Ollie Keogh, who has extensive experience in senior football, was effective and efficient in attack landing the first two blow with precision.
Only 10 minutes had elapsed when Keogh embarked on a clever run before unleashing a smashing low shot that deceived Austin O'Neill.
Injected with confidence after the strike Mervue added a second in the 28th minute when a set piece routine carved the Kildare defence open.
Right-back David O'Brien clipped the ball into the area, and Mike Tierney gathered possession prior to crossing for Dave Goldbey, who rifled past O'Neill from close range.
Rocked by the goals, Kildare came back swinging, and really ought to have scored in the remainder of a first half which was disrupted by a problem with the floodlights that was eventually resolved.
Colin Murray was just unable to make sufficient contact following Cathal Brady's corner that was nodded on by Colin Osbourne in a packed area.
But the deficit was reduced 10 minutes after the restart when Philly Hughes clipped a deft finish over the advancing former Galway senior football goalkeeper Brian O'Donoghue following Murray’s thumped clearance.
Kildare had improved considerably as the arrival of substitute Craig Mooney offered a threat on the flank.
And parity was restored in the 76th minute when Hughes curled a delightful free kick beyond O'Donoghue's despairing lunge as Kildare recovered.
Mervue United: O'Donoghue; O'Brien, Conneely, E Browne, Farrell (Ryan, 86); Tierney (Gaffney, 67) R Browne, Traynor, Lee; Keogh (Huban, 82), Goldbey.
Kildare County: O'Neill; Donnelly, Murray, O'Connell, Isaaka (Fortune, 46); Brady (Cassidy, 90), Osborne, Slattery, Powerdley; Kilduff, Hughes.
Referee: P Sutton (Clare)
