Dubs see off challenge of Offaly

  • Feb 16,2014

Sinead Farrelly reports -

The Dublin ladies minors had a winning start to their championship season with a comprehensive win over Offaly in Parnells.

Dublin had the advantage of the wind supporting them for the first half and they made an impact right away with a few wides as the Offaly backs were made to work hard for the opening minutes.

The home side were winning the kick outs and Stacey Flood played well to keep the ball with Dublin, however they did not convert their chances until they were awarded a free and Kate Fitzgibbon scored a point.

Some good teamwork from Dublin got the ball to full forward Amy Conroy and the green flag was raised less than ten minutes in. The forward lines worked seamlessly together as Rachel Brogan, Kate Fitzgibbon and Kim Garth each added points to the Dublin tally.

A free to Offaly gave them their first shot of the game but it went wide, however moments later they were given another, taken by Roisin Egan, and Offaly got their first point 15 minutes in.

Dublin continued to dominate the game as they forced the Offaly backs to work hard. The midfield and half-forward lines worked hard to win the kick outs and keep the possession.

Two more points each for Fitzgibbon and Murphy and one each for Aoife Kane and Emma Colgan keep the Dublin scoreboard ticking over as they further extend their lead.

Offaly’s Claire Connolly took a shot but it went wide, however just moments later they scored a second point.

But Dublin refuse to let up and Colgan scored the side’s second goal and some great passing from the midfielders got the ball to Kim Garth just as she scored another point.

At half time the score stood at Dublin 2-11, Offaly 0-2.

Wind picked up over the break and was far stronger in the second half as it supported Offaly who took the first blood of the half with a point from Roisin Egan but they still faced an uphill battle for the half.

Aoife Kane gave Dublin their first shot of the half as she took a shot on goal but it went wide, but she followed it up moments later with a point.

Dublin’s Katie Murphy continues her impressive run in the game with another point and shortly after Dublin’s green flag is raised for the third time with a strike from Fiona Tuite.

Offaly picked up two more points from Roisin Egan again as their backs worked well to keep Dublin from scoring another goal.

Dublin substitute Naomi Clarke made an impact straight away with two near chances but was unlucky both times as the ball pinged off the posts; however the home side shortly after added two more points.

Offaly were awarded a free and Egan scored another point and this wass followed by a very well placed goal from Claire Connolly.

However by this stage Dublin were well in control of the game and this was cemented with two more points from Kate Fitzgibbon and substitute Louise Ryan.

With full time looming nearer Offaly tried twice more for a score but the Dublin defence performed sublimely to keep the Offaly forwards out.

Kate Fitzgibbon shot a final wide just as the full time whistle blew up and the final score was Dublin 3-18, Offaly 1-6.