Carlow narrowly escaped the prospect of relegation after Chris Nolan pointed just as proceedings came to a close.
Carlow came into this Division 2a Round 4 clash with a lot at stake.
If they had won today, it was likely that they would have booked themselves a place in a League Semi-Final.
In contrast, if they had lost, a relation playoff would have been on the cards for the Barrowsiders.
Noel Dolan of Kildare was the first to register a score after just 55 seconds on the clock.
It was perfect playing conditions in Newbridge with the sun shining down on the Carlow and Kildare players.
Carlow took a while to settle into the game, fumbling the ball on a number of occasions.
Despite Carlow underperforming for most of the 1st half, they still managed to hold the lead at the break.
Comfortable Lead
They were in comfortable territory at half time with 7 points separating the teams. The scoreboard showed a tally of Carlow 0-12, Kildare 0-05
Carlow upped the ante further on the resumption of play but Kildare continued to apply pressure.
Standout performers from a Carlow perspective were Chris Nolan and free-taker Kevin McDonald who was superb on placed balls today.
Conversely, Kildare’s free-taker, Kevin Sheridan had a bad day where set-pieces were concerned.
Conor Kehoe showed a beautiful piece of skill with a lovely score off the shoulder after 48 minutes.
That was followed up by a point from Carlow stalwart Marty “Mouse” Kavangh who helped Carlow establish a 6 point lead with 20 minutes of normal time left to play.
Chris Nolan almost had his team home and dry but unfortunately his shot on goal barely shaved past the post.
With 15 minutes left to play, Paul Cody made way for John Nolan.
At this point, Carlow led Kildare on a scoreline of 0-16 to 0-10.
Double Whammy
Just as things were looking good for Carlow, they were hit with a double whammy when Jack Kavanagh was sent off on a second yellow.
That was followed quickly by a Kildare goal coming from Brian Byrne.
With 10 minutes of normal time left, Carlow led on a scoreline of 0-17 to 1-12 but were under fierce pressure to hold on to their 2 point lead.
Carlow fans were living on their nerves when Kildare’s Gerry Keegan hit the net, putting his side in the lead.
Kevin McDonald responded to that with a point from a placed ball, leveling up proceedings with 5 minutes left on the clock.
Entering into a crucial 4 minute period, Shane Ryan who put in a stellar performance for the Lillywhite’s, popped over a point, putting Kildare ahead.
Shortly afterward, Paul Nolan put another one between the posts with just a minute left of normal time.
It was a one-point game venturing into additional time, thanks to a well-taken point from substitute, John Nolan.
Heroics From Nolan
Shane Ryan then had a goal denied thanks to a valiant effort from Jack McCullagh who managed to get a stick in to block his shot.
Chris Nolan was the hero of the day for Carlow however, converting a sideline cut from the 21 yard line just as the full time whistle was blown.
It finished all square in Newbridge with the final score reading Carlow 0-20, Kildare 2-14.
