A Mark Scanlan goal gave the home side the impetus at half time, 1-6 to 0-6, though Meath might have been better placed had they made the most of two goal chances.

Kildare were superb in the second half hitting an impressive array of long-range points while defending stoutly throughout.

A second goal courtesy of substitute Robert Kelly ensured an easy win.

KILDARE S McCormack, C Fadian, E Naughton, I Lonergan, M Scanlan (1-1), R Glavin, E Bolton, J Kavanagh (0-2), D Flynn, T O'Connor (0-1), R Dunne (0-1), G White (0-2), A Smyth (0-1), P O'Neill (0-2, 2f), M O'Sullivan (0-3). Subs R Kelly (1-0) for Flynn, 39 mins; M Tracey for Dunne, 54 mins; D McEvoy for Scanlan, 60 mins.

MEATH J O'Connor, J Kellegher, K Reilly, E Harrington, B Smith, B Ennis, C King (1-0), B Meade (0-1), M Kennedy, A Ennis, A Hayes (01), M Burke, R Maguire (0-1), D Barrett (0-1), C Ward (0-4, 1f). Subs R O'Connor for Kennedy, 29 mins; B McGinn for Smith, 36 mins; C O'Keefe for Ward, 58 mins; B Clarke for Ennis;

C O'Dwyer for Hayes, 58 mins.

Referee Sean O'Shea (Wexford)