Horan's extra effort

Meath put in a storming finish in the second half of extra time to win a closely fought tie at Clane yesterday. The Division One side started the second period heavily in arrears but they came to life in the latter stages, outscoring the home side to win by the narrowest of margins.

An outstanding performance by Nicky Horan, who scored all but a couple of points in Meath's crucial second period, proved to be the difference. Kildare were on top for most of the game after Joe Dempsey opened their account with a point and they led by four points after full-forward Cathal Sheridan kicked the ball to the net in the eighth minute.

Ten minutes elapsed before a 65 from Tom Reilly led to Meath's first score. However, Kildare continued to dominate and replied with five unanswered points to build up a commanding lead. They led 1-9 to 1-4 at half-time.

Meath were a much improved side in the second half and midway through the half they trailed by three points. They drew level for the first time when Horan converted a free in the 64th minute and another free from Horan levelled the game for the second time.

Kildare seemed set for a win when their top marksman, Tom Carew, gave them the lead in the closing stages but a point from substitute Neville Reilly brought the game to extra time.

Kildare were the masters in the first period and a goal from Adrian McAndrew in the 76th minute helped them to a fivepoints lead.

However, two converted frees by Carew were all they could manage in the second period and there was no time left after Reilly's second point gave Meath victory in the dying moments.

MEATH: M Gannon; A O'Neill, B Murray, M Mullen; C Keena (0-1), P Donnelly (0-1), D Reilly; J Canty, T Reilly (0-1, a 65); F McMahon (0-2), R Dorran, N Horan (2-15, one penalty and 12 frees); K Dowd, P Potterton (0-2), G Cole. Subs: N Reilly (0-2) for D Reilly, B Murray for Canty, J Donoghue for Cole, J Canty (0-1) for Dowd.

KILDARE: P Ryan; N Swan, S Gleeson, B Maher; D Harney, E Denieffe, P Rohan; J Brennan, N Casey; N O'Callaghan (0-2), C Buggy (0-4), J Dempsey (0-1), T Spain, C Sheridan (1-1), T Carew (0-16, 15 frees). Subs: A McAndrew (1-0) for Sheridan, R Hoban for Harney, M Hennessy for Dempsey (inj).

Referee: S Roche (Tipperary).