Lilies book semi final spot

Kildare's Niall Kelly and Niall Darby of Offaly in the Leinster senior football quarter final at Croke Park. Photo Adrian Melia
Kildare overcame a game but limited Offaly side on Saturday evening last to book their place in the Leinster SFC semi final and a meeting with hot favourites, Dublin, writes TOMMY CALLAGHAN.

Kildare overcame a game but limited Offaly side on Saturday evening last to book their place in the Leinster SFC semi final and a meeting with hot favourites, Dublin, writes TOMMY CALLAGHAN.

The Lilies were in control for most of the game but had to withstand a late, late resurgence when Offaly converted a 71 minute penalty for an alleged foot block by keeper Mark Donnellan.

Kildare led at the break by 0-10 to 00-7 and seemed to be well on their way when leading by eight points with just seven minutes remaining.

Offaly, to their credit, kept plugging away and while they never looked like catching their opponents, nevertheless got within three points before Seanie Johnston got the final score of the game to leave Kildare winning on a score line, Kildare 0-19 Offaly 1-12,