An 82nd minute point from David Quinn, saw the opening game of Group 3 end in a stalemate out west, as Kildare had to settle for a point in a physical battle between the sides

This opening game in group 3 of the Sam Maguire Cup in Markievicz Park was a real gung-ho event with both sides trading blows throughout the match. An injury time point by David Quinn gave Sligo a share of the spoils.

Two divisions may separate the teams in the National League, but the gulf was not apparent on the field today.

Paddy Woodgate opened the scoring for Kildare in the third minute before Sligo Captain Niall Murphy scored the first of his six points to level the tie in the seventh.

The lead was shared in the early part of the first half before Kildare took up the baton and went two points ahead heading towards half-time. Fintan Cawley popped the ball over the bar just before the break, making the game 0-6 to 0-7 in Kildare’s favour.

After the interval, Sligo came out all guns blazing and a quick-fire double by Sean Carrabine put the home side back into the lead, Darragh Cummins moments later put them two ahead.

Alex Beirne and Paddy Woodgate’s points made sure Kildare got a grip on the game before it slipped away. While Niall Murphy put Sligo ahead yet again in the 46th minute, the game then became a bit more cynical with yellow cards being issued to Paul Cribbin, Darragh Kirwan, and Jack Sargent.

More cards were doled out with Sean Carrabine and Darragh Kirwan receiving second yellow cards later in the match and Kevin O’Callaghan being shown a black card.

Heading into the last few minutes of the game Niall Murphy picked up his side and carried them towards a memorable draw with two points either side of the 70-minute mark.

In injury time as the game looked to be heading towards a Kildare win, substitute David Quinn rescued the game and levelled in the 82nd minute.