For the first time since 1976, Kildare will contest a Cadbury's All-Ireland under-21 final after they defeated Down by three points in a thrilling contest at Pairc Tailteann, Navan on Saturday evening. Kildare 1-10 Down 0-10 The Leinster side, who are managed by former Kildare star Glen Ryan were worthy victors of a game that in fairness could have gone either way. The crucial score of the match came in the 26th minute when Gavin Smullen scored the only goal of the game, although it was Down that held an interval lead of 0-07 to 1-03 after skipper James Colgan had put in an outstanding display at midfield. Kildare closed that gap after the break and within 10 minutes of the second half, the sides had been level on three occasions, but then a succession of points from Smullen, Eoin O'Flaithearthaigh and Joseph Cocoman edged Kildare on front for a lead that they would hold until the end. To their credit Down fought back with points from Kevin McKernan and Paddy McComiskey, who finished the match with six points, but further scores from Smullen and Smith secured a place in the final for the Lilywhites. Tweet

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