GAME AT A GLANCE
By Daire Walsh
MAIN MAN
JOHNNY BYRNE
For the second week running, Johnny Byrne stood out amongst a host of stellar Kildare performances. A final haul of 3-4 made him the Lilywhites’ scorer-in-chief – no means feat for a player who isn’t a free-taker – as he continues to add fresh impetus to what was an already cohesive attacking unit.
SCORE OF THE GAME
As good as it is to see Kildare playing heads-up hurling, it is refreshing to know that there is a direct option within their ranks if needs be. This was displayed by Naas’ James Burke on 29 minutes, when he gathered a high ball and unleashed an unstoppable shot to the Derry net.
TURNING POINT
Despite what the final scoreline may suggest, Kildare didn’t always have it their own way in this game. The sides were level six times in the opening period, but following quick fire goals from James Burke and Johnny Byrne towards the end of the half, the Lilywhites assumed full control of the tie.
TALKING POINT
The new rule allowing teams to use seven substitutes once again paid rich dividends for Kildare, with manager David Herity using his reserve options intelligently. As a result, a large bulk of his squad have been road tested in the past two weeks for the tougher assignments that are to come.