 Dublin's Liam Ryan comes under pressure from Neil McAuley |
Antrim's first game in the Leinster SHC ended in a heavy defeat by Dublin at Croke Park on Sunday. David O'Callaghan's eighth minute goal helped Dublin into an early lead before Saffrons forward Neil McManus saw his penalty saved by keeper Gary Maguire. Antrim finally converted their chances and fought back from seven points down to make it 1-6 to 0-8 at the break. Brendan Herron levelled before Dublin took total control and they surged clear with Alan McCrabbe netting. The Ulster team had the wind at their backs in the first half but poor finishing meant they failed to make it count. McManus had a 20-metre free blocked on the line and then Maguire saved a fierce shot from the forward. The Dubs were clinical in front of goal and O'Callaghan, McCrabbe and David Treacy put the hosts in a commanding position. Maguire's penalty save could have demoralised the Saffrons but they hit back by scoring the final six points of the half. Karl Stewart claimed three points while Sean Delargy, CJ McGourty and Michael Herron were also on target. Brendan Herron equalised just after the restart but that was spark for Dublin to step up the pace and outclass the visitors. McCrabbe struck over five frees and he completed a fine individual display with a low shot into the net with four minutes left. Joey Scullion scored the final point of the game for Antrim but there were few positives for the Saffrons to take from this display.
Dublin: G Maguire, N Corcoran, T Brady, O Gough, S Hiney, M Carton, J Boland, J McCaffrey, A McCrabbe, S Durkin, L Ryan, D Curtin, D O'Callaghan, L Rushe, D Treacy. Antrim: R McGarry, K McGourty, N McGarry (capt), A Graffin, J Campbell, N McAuley, P Richmond, K McKeegan, S Delargy, N McManus, M Herron, CJ McGourty, K Stewart, PJ O'Connell.
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