Meath draw sees Kildare lose promotion chance
Meath 1-12 Kildare 2-9
Cian Ward kicked a late, levelling point as Meath fought back to claim a draw with Leinster rivals Kildare at Pairc Tailteann.
Kildare, who were chasing promotion lost their discipline towards the end of this Division 2 tie, with Dermot Earley and Ronan Sweeney both sent-off in the closing two minutes.
That effectively left the gap open for Ward to square up a game that came to life in the second half.
Two goals inside the opening three minutes promised much but the first
35 minutes failed to deliver.
A Eamon Callaghan sideline ball was worked onto the inrushing Mike Conway who bulged the Meath net in the second-minute.
But moments later, Jamie Queeney grabbed a goal at the other end. Ward and Brian Farrell replied to pointed frees from John Doyle for a 1-2 to 1-2 scoreline.
But Farrell's effort proved to be the opening first half point from play as Kildare, who impressed with their blanket defence, lived off Doyle's frees.
Kieran McGeeney's men really should have been in front at half-time.
Instead they were level at 1-3 apiece after hitting nine wides.
The pace and quality of the football improved on the restart as Ken Donnelly punched a point for the visitors and Farrell quickly levelled for the Royals.
Farrell, Stephen Bray and Nigel Crawford kicked some fine points for Meath in the second period.
But Kildare were looking good for the win when Ronan Sweeney slammed home their second goal and Doyle, Alan Smith and Donnelly added points.
Cruelly though, those two red cards - harsh decisions according to most observers - allowed Meath sneak a share of the spoils as Ward had the final say.
The result means Monaghan and Cork have gained promotion from the second tier of the league and Kildare will have to ply their trade in Division 2 again next season.
