A first-half goal by Kerry captain John Crowley stalled Antrim's excellent drive to eliminate an early six-point deficit at Casement Park yesterday. The goal left the score 1-6 to 0-5 in the visitors' favour, and set them on the road to victory. "The goal came a right time. We opened up very well but just when they were coming back, the goal made the difference," said Kerry manager Paidi O Se.

The build-up to this game had been like no other league match in Antrim. A pre-match press conference and the launching of a new Antrim kit were just part of the Antrim's welcome to Kerry. This was the Munster county's first visit to the venue since it was opened in 1953, and the very sight of the green and gold shirts unnerved Antrim's defence during the opening exchanges.

Dara O Se gave Kerry the lead after just 25 seconds of play. But the nine points which separated the two at the end did a grave injustice to game itself. O Se had given gave Kerry the lead after just 25 seconds of play while a section of the travelling support sought autographs from Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams. Through Antrim's Kevin Madden, who boasts a National League scoring tally of 2-17, threatened throughout. But each time Antrim did score, Kerry responded in kind.

Kerry: D O'Keefe; M McCarthy, B O'Shea, K Burns; S Moynihan (0-1), M Hassett, T O Se; D O Se (02), W Kirby; J McGlynn (0-2), L Hassett (0-1), D Daly; J Murphy (0-3), J Crowley (1-2), D O Cinneide (03). Subs: M Fitzgerald for L Hassett (41 mins); J Ferriter for J Crowley (52mins); N Kennelly for D O Se (58 mins).

Antrim: D Shannon; L McCurdy, M Mullholland, A Donnelly; G Adams, T McCrudden, A Finnegan; D Niblock, C Murphy (0-1); J Kennedy, T Convery, J McManus (0-1); K Brady, J Quinn (0-1), K Madden (0-5, four frees). Subs: E McLarnon for T McCrudden (19 mins); G Flynn for Kennedy (52 mins); John Barr for C Murphy (54 mins).

Referee: J Curran, Tyrone.