Fourteen-man Kildare roared to a 1-11 to 0-8 semi-final victory over Dublin at Newbridge.

Ronan Sweeney's 47th-minute penalty was the decisive score as Kieran McGeeney's side overcame the first-half dismissal of Eoghan O'Flaherty.

This derby match was a physical encounter with an edge evident throughout. Both counties gave opportunities to their younger players to make an impression.

Kildare were the better team throughout and could have won by more but for some trademark poor finishing.

Despite playing against the breeze, the 14 men led by 0-5 to 0-4 at half time, with wing back O'Flaherty picking up a second yellow card on the half hour.

A huge crowd travelled to St Conleth's Park for the visit of Dublin, who fielded just five of their All-Ireland final winning team.

We saw a hectic start with wides from Mikey Conway and Mossie Quinn at either end as the sides remained scoreless after seven minutes.

But it was three points apiece after 33…

Alan Smith opened the scoring in the eighth minute and Sweeney doubled the hosts' lead. Paddy Andrews replied on eleven minutes with a fisted point.

Mossie Quinn levelled it and Conway had his point cancelled out by another Quinn free.

Smith knocked over a Kildare free to make it 0-4 to 0-3 and the same player added a point from play before Quinn's third free left the Dubs within a point at the short whistle.

Substitute Hugh McGrillen kicked the first point of the second half and the hosts moved clear when Sweeney swept home the penalty after a foul on full forward Tomas O'Connor - 1-6 to 0-5.

The next four points were shared, with Conway and Kavanagh on target for Kildare, who led by 1-8 to 0-7, and Kieran McGeeney's fired-up charges tagged on two more points to lead by six and assure themselves of victory.

Dublin were also reduced to fourteen when Paul Brogan picked up a second yellow late on.

Kildare will play UCD in the decider. The students beat Meath by 2-8 to 0-6 in the other semi-final at Navan on Saturday night. Tweet

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