While the score of 0-28 to 2-12 is impressive enough Dublin hurlers still have a lot to do if they want to contest finals in 2015. Some of the old faults of the past cropped up again today – short puck outs breaking down, sloppy hand and hurley passes, not enough aggression up front to get a goal, 2-3 players going for the ball and breaking it down to an opponent, poor use of the extra man just to mention a few. Dublin had a great start and Danny got four excellent points in the first fifteen minutes. Dublin were totally on top at this early stage and a goal or two would have opened the gates for a big comprehensive tally. But Dublin never really threatened Antrim’s goal and I don’t recall the Antrim goalkeeper having to make one save. Even though Antrim played two of their forwards out around the middle of the field they still succeeded in scoring a goal midway in the first half. A poor pass from Peter Kelly was intercepted and the ball finished in the net. In the second half another sloppy goal for Antrim after a mix up between Garry Maguire and Michael Carton. On the bright side the two newcomers – Conor Murphy and Eoghan O’Donnell showed some nice touches and they could push for permanent places on the team. Early in the second half Antrim were reduced to fourteen men. It didn’t seem to upset them too much and they continued to find their men with intelligent passes. Dublin never really controlled the second half like they did in the first quarter and this should be a concern to the management. Cian Boland added some pace when he came on and he is a real prospect. Danny Sutcliffe stood head and shoulders above the rest and if he can stay injury free he can have a massive year for Dublin.
Camán abú
