John Evans expects Wicklow to make an impact in the All-Ireland SF qualifiers after pushing Kildare all the way in their Leinster SFC first round clash last evening.

The Lilywhites, who played two divisions above their neighbours in the Allianz League this spring, were left hanging on for a two-point win after Darren Hayden scored the game's only goal with 10 minutes remaining.

"Had we got that goal earlier in the second half, I think we'd have won that game," the Wicklow manager told RTÉ.  

"It took us a while to get to the tempo of the game. In that first half, we were sort of chasing it a little. And they were lorded the kickouts. In the second half, we went more for a running game and we kicked 1-6 there in the second half. But had the goal come earlier, I think we'd have won the game.

"This group are bonded together and they were wanting to show this all along. Because during the league, they were really unfortunate with a few decisions and injuries. But one thing is certain. This team is growing and they've been put together over two years rather than six months. 

"These guys are pawing the ground, they're ready to go again. They know that they're now at a level where they can perform with anybody.

"And that's huge in Wicklow. We need that belief because there isn't a history there. And this group are trying to change that and certainly they're going in the right direction."

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