A LILY-WHITE KNUCKLE RIDE FOR KILDARE

COMING into this Tailteann Cup campaign, the quality of the Kildare panel saw them installed as favourites, though doubts about their mentality in close finishes and their goalscoring ability were seen as reasons why the Lilywhites might slip up against a less-fancied opponent.

- BY KEVIN EGAN

The return of Daniel Flynn to the team has removed any doubts about their goalscoring, as he added another pair of green flags in Dr Hyde Park yesterday to the two he scored against Tipperary in the previous round.

Add in green flags for James McGrath and Alex Beirne (pictured), and Kildare were just about able to see off Sligo's late rally and secure top spot in the group, along with a home quarter-final.

The doubts about their late-game mentality remain however, as this was a game where Sligo could have - and should - have reeled in the 15-point lead that Kildare enjoyed after 50 minutes of this contest.