Kildare 3-16

Dublin 3-13

Kildare withstood a late Dublin onslaught in the first of today's Croke Park triple-header to book their place in the Leinster minor football final against Longford.

The Lilywhites looked to be cruising to victory when they led by 3-14 to 2-8 11 minutes into the second half, but the holders roared back and got to within three points when Paddy Small converted an injury-time penalty. However, Brendan Hackett's charges held on and are now just 60 minutes away from claiming a second provincial title in three seasons.

Dublin, who were easy winners over Kildare in last year's Leinster final, led by 2-1 to 0-3 after 12 minutes thanks to goals from Tom Fox and Shane Howard. But the Lilywhites then took control. Matthew Kelly scored a stunning 25th minute goal to edge them in front, 1-8 to 2-4.

Dublin regained briefly regained parity before Rory Feely tucked away a penalty to leave Kildare perched on a 2-11 to 2-5 lead at the break.

The winners extended their lead after the restart and were nine points clear when Jimmy Hyland grabbed their third goal with 19 minutes to go.

Paddy Christie's men rallied late on, but it's Kildare who progress to the July 12 decider.

Kildare - D Campbell; R Slattery, M Joyce, D Lawlor; G Burke, S Ryan (0-1), J Healy; D Courtney, R Feely (1-1, 1-0pen); E O'Donoghue (0-2), C Hartley (0-3), B McLoughlin; C Kelly (0-3, 1f), M Kelly (1-2), J Hyland (1-3, 0-2f). Subs: S Healy for J Healy, S Lawlor (0-1) for B McLoughlin, K O'Callaghan for D Courtney, R Bannon for D Lawlor, E O'Neill for M Joyce (BC).

Dublin - E Comerford; D Byrne, P O'Hanlon, J Holland (0-1); C Kavanagh, B Howard, T O'Sullivan; A Elliott, D McIlgorm; T Fox (1-0), S Howard (1-4), C Pearson (0-1); P Small (1-2, 1-0pen), C Howley (0-2), D Keating (0-1f). Subs: A Bradshaw for C Pearson, G McNamara for T O'Sullivan, J Kindlon (0-2) for D Keating, O Kelly for T Fox, D O'Brien for J Holland, C Kelly for J Kindlon (BC).

Referee - P Maguire.

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