Dublin 2-20
Kildare 2-7
A POWERFUL SECOND-HALF display enabled Dublin to convincingly defeat Leinster rivals Kildare this afternoon in Croke Park.
Both sides entered the game on the back of impressive form after winning their first three league games yet it was Dublin who maintained their unbeaten record in style.
Jim Gavin’s side held a narrow advantage after a competitive first-half when they lead by 0-11 to 1-6.
However they emerged for the second-half in ruthless fashion as they ripped the Lilywhites apart with chief attacker Bernard Brogan and dynamic young defender Jack McCaffrey both raising green flags.
Kildare, who rested U21 stars like Daniel Flynn and Niall Kelly from the start, had no answer to Dublin’s second-half dominance as they were unable to force their way back into contention.
A Seanie Johnston free and a goal at the death by wing-back Emmett Bolton were all the scores that they could muster in response.
Kieran McGeeney and Jim Gavin after the game.
Pic: INPHO/Ryan Byrne
The first-half had been a different affair as after Ciaran Kilkenny pointed Dublin into a 0-6 to 0-3 lead by the 20th minute, Kildare responded with the first goal of the game.
A long ball pumped into Tomas O’Connor broke kindly to Seanie Johnston and he scrambled the ball to the net.
The game was still delicately balanced at the interval but Dublin kicked five quick points in the second-half, with substitute Kevin McManamon impressing, and then McCaffrey pounced in the 46th minute with a composed finish to the net.
Dublin kept pouring forward and Bernard Brogan got in for their second goal with ten minutes remaining. Despite Kildare raising a late green flag, this was a hugely impressive display by Dublin as they get set to face Tyrone in Croke Park next Saturday night.
Scorers for Dublin: Bernard Brogan 1-5 (0-4f), Ciaran Kilkenny 0-4, Paddy Andrews 0-3, Jack McCaffrey 1-1, Diarmuid Connolly, Kevin McManamon 0-2 each, Darren Daly, Paul Flynn, Philly Ryan 0-1 each.
Scorers for Kildare: Seanie Johnston 1-2, Emmett Bolton 1-1, Mikey Conway (0-1f), Eoghan O’Flaherty, Brian Flanagan, John Doyle (0-1f) 0-1 each.
