GAME AT A GLANCE
By Daire Walsh
MAN OF THE MATCH
JAMES BURKE
When the chips were down in Castlebar, the Naas attacker delivered in spades. With Kildare five points adrift at the start of the second half, he proceeded to take the game by the scruff of the neck and registered 0-5 from open play to bring his tally for the campaign up to an impressive 3-9.
TURNING POINT
Had Mayo gone in at the break with an eight-point lead, they would have felt extremely confident about their chances of success. Instead, Kildare cut into their deficit with a stoppage-time goal from David Slattery and this ultimately gave them the belief to push on for the win they craved.
TALKING POINT
For the first time since their round five league defeat to Down in March of last year, Kildare were playing in front of spectators in Castlebar on Saturday. The numbers in the crowd appeared to be lower than the 200 that were supposedly allowed to attend, but their presence did add to the occasion.
SCORE OF THE MATCH
Jack Sheridan is carving out a fine reputation for himself as a sideline cut specialist. His provided two more moments for his highlight reel in the opening period of this game, but his incredible swerving effort from the left-wing on 24 minutes was a monumental strike.
REFEREE WATCH
Tipperary whistler Kevin Jordan was on the spot to apply the new rules when James Burke was deemed to be cynically fouled outside the large square in the first half. Was whistle happy at times, but not too many of the decisions he made on the day could be heavily disputed.