Antrim maintained their 100% record with a 1-19 to 2-7 victory over Kildare at Newbridge.

The result keeps the Saffrons in pole position in Division Two, while the Lilywhites - who performed well for long periods of the match - now have a better indication of where they lie and how much work needs to be done.

Mark Fitzgerald grabbed an early Kildare goal and the hosts led by a point at the break. But Antrim reeled off four unanswered points upon the resumption to signal their intent.

Richie Hogan's penalty cut Antrim's lead to a point around the three-quarters mark but Neil McManus replied instantly with an Antrim goal and the winners dominated the closing exchanges.

Fitzgerald's fortuitous 14th-minute goal had got Andy Comerford's team off to a flying start and points from Tony Murphy and David Harney kept the Short Grass County in the ascendency.

But McManus instigated an Antrim recovery in the second quarter and scores from the Cushendall clubman, Liam Watson and Shane McNaughton left only a point between the sides at the interval.

Aided by the wind, Antrim knocked over four effortless points after the break with Watson (two), McManus and McNaughton on target.

Fitzgerald pulled a point back for the home side but two more scores from McManus and McNaughton left the Saffrons four clear by the 51st minute.

Hogan's penalty left the minimum between the teams again but McManus replied with his major to end the game as a contest.

Antrim are top of the table alongside Wexford and Clare, but they still have to face both these sides. Only then can their true credentials be gauged. Tweet

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