Dublin Fall to Narrow Three-Point Defeat Against Down

Down v Dublin

2 pm Liatroim Fontenoy

One change to starting team, Aisling Gannon replaced by Eimear Kehoe. 

It was a cold afternoon with the wind blowing across the pitch. Dublin started Round 2 of the Centra National League well like last week by getting the first score of the game. This week it came from Gráinne Skelton. Down replied with a free of their own from their Number 10, Niamh Mallon. Dublin pushed hard and got 2 quick scores from Kerrie Finnegan and Sinead Wylde, giving a 2 point lead. Yet warning signs were starting to appear to show that Down meant business as they ran hard at a sometimes hesitant Dublin team. 

In mid field the tackling was ferocious as the tough conditions made it hard to get clean possession. Gaby Couch at No 9 was taking a number of hard hits, one of which resulted in a yellow card to the Down player. Play was held up but on resumption Skelton scored her second from the resulting free to bring the score to 01-04.

17 minutes in, Down's Mallon scored from a 45 followed quickly by points from 2 frees to level the game. Dublin had their first attempt on goal as a ground pull was pushed out for a 45. Skelton put over the dead ball. With 26 minutes on the clock, one of the scores of the game came from tight to the left sideline from Down’s No12 Áine McAllister to bring it back to level. Last score of the half came from a long free from Down. 

Half time score: Down 0-06 Dublin 0-05

2nd half

Dublin made 2 changes at half time with Grace O’Shea coming on as wing forward and Aoife Higgins at wing back. 

From the throw in Down were awarded a free on the half way line which dropped into the Dublin box. McNamara in Dublin’s goal reacted well to make a good save and clear the ball. 2 minutes in saw Dublin’s Eimear Kehoe level the game to 6-6. Down scored 2 of the next 3 points both from 45s while Dublin’s Niamh Comerford put over her first free after taking over the dead ball responsibility. Scores were hard to come by in the tough conditions but Down’s  No10 Niamh Mallon registered another impressive score from her right wing to give the hosts a 2 point lead. 

With 12 minutes left on the clock Aisling Gannon who had been introduced scored a trademark point on the run to reduce the deficit. However the decisive score was soon to follow and unfortunately it was Down who claimed the only goal of the game. With Dublin under pressure, Down got another point before 2 points for Dublin (Emma Moran and Grace O’Shea) which reduced the deficit to 3 points. The Down defence held strong and dealt well with the final dangerous ball that Dublin sent into the box. At the final whistle Down had claimed a well deserved victory by 1-10 to 0-10

Dublin’s next game is a must win match next weekend away to Wexford who also lost today. It certainly feels that both teams will need a victory next weekend to keep any alive chance of making the league final.