Kildare U20s draw with Dublin but lose out on points difference

Kildare and Dublin ended all square on Saturday at St Conleth's Park, Newbridge, in this Round 2 game in the U20 Development League.

In this three team group, both Kildare and Dublin had defeated Kerry, both by three points, so it was all to play for with the winner advancing.

As it turned out the sides ended the game level at 1-8 apiece; both with a win and a draw; scoring differencde the same but Dublin advance due to the fact they had scored three more points than Kildare in their (Dublin) win over Kerry.

And to make matters worse the home side looked to be on their way in the 50 minute after second half substitute Oisin O'Sullivan (only recently returned following a long absense through injury) found the Dublin net.

However almost directly from the throw-in Dublin wiped out that goal with one of their own when Joe Quickly found the Kildare net, followed by a quick free and while Kildare fired over a point to leave two in it, two Dublin points in the final minutes tied up the game and while Kildare had the opportunity to win it the effort went right and wide of the post.

The sides were level on three occasions in the opening half, never more than a point separating the sides.

Kildare had points from Sam Savage two, one free ibe free) and Fionn Ó Giolláin with Michael McDonald, Joe Quigley (free) and Luke Breathnach getting on the score sheet for Dublin.

Points from Ciaran Flanagan and Shane Farrell (free) saw Kildare lead by two at the break — 0-5 to 0-3.

Points from Eoin Cully and Rian Sinkey were replied to by Tom Brennan and Alex Gavin.

A great tackle by Mark Gibbons, breaking up a Dublin attack saw Kildare turn defence into attack which ended with Shane Farrell combining with Oisin O'Sullivan, the Clane man firing to the net and push his side five ahead — 1-7 to 0-5 on 50 minutes.

Quigley then got his goal followed by a converted free; Rian Sinkey replied to push The Lilies two clear on 51 minutes but two late points from James Cotter and Michael McDonald tied up the game at 1-8 apiece.

Both went looking for the winner and it was Kildare who had the best chance when Colm Dalton made headway into the Dublin danger area, but his effort went right and wide as the final whistle arrived the sides drawing at 1-8 apiece.

Disappointment for Kildare but a more than decent work-out and with Kildare senior manager Glenn Ryan keeping a close eye on proceedings no doubt he was impressed with Harry O'Neill, Fionn Ó Giolláin, Jack McKevitt and Mark Gibbons.

Scorers

Kildare Oisin O'Sullivan 1-0, Sam Savage 0-2 (1 free), Ryan Sinkey 0-2, Ciaran Flanagan 0-1, Shane Farrell 0-1 (free), Fionn Ó Giolláin 0-1, Eoin Cully 0-1.

Dublin Joe Quigley 1-2 (2 frees), Luke Breathnach 0-1, Michael McDonald 0-2, Joe Quigley 0-1 (free), James Cotter 0-1, Alex Gavin 0-1, Tom Brennan 0-1.

KILDARE: Eoin Sheehan (Johnstownbridge); Harry O'Neill (Clane), Ryan Burke (Caragh), Tim Ryan (Naas); Fionn Ó Giolláin (Maynooth), James McGrath (Athy), Jack McKevitt (Naas); Sean Hanafin (Naas), Luke Killian (Sallins); Callum Bolton (Sarsfields), Shane Farrell (Kilcock), Ciaran Flanagan (Maynooth); Sam Savage (Rathangan), Colm Dalton (Sallins), Niall Dolan (Raheens). Subs: Ryan Sinkey (Naas) for Ciaran Flanagan (half-time0); Eoin Cully (Carbury) for Niall Dolan (half-time); Mark Gibbons (Kilcock) 41 minutes; James Harris (Castlemitchell) for Luke Killian (53 minutes); Evin Cummins (Naas) for Callum Bolton (55 minutes).

DUBLIN: Hugh O'Sullivan; Eoghan O'Connor, Theo Clancy, Evan Nugent; Greg McEneaney, James Cotter, Alex Gavin; Charlie McMorrow, Michael McDonald; Conor Dolan, Luke Ward, Daniel O'Leary; Darragh Dempsey, Luke Breathnach, Joe Quigley. Subs: Tom Brennan for Charlie McMorrow (half-time); Caelum Moriarty for Darragh Dempsey (41 minutes); Ethan Dunne for Conor Dolan (44 minutes); Clyde Burke for Daniel O'Leary (55 minutes); Mark McNally for Joe Quigley (60 minutes).

REFEREE: Enda Kelly, Westmeath.