Sutcliffe gives Dublin a more clinical edge

Dublin 1-22 Kilkenny 3-13

Dublin registered their second impressive home league success when deservedly accounting for Kilkenny by three points at Parnell Park on Saturday evening.

The Dubs proved far slicker for most of the contest and despite the concession of two goals within the first seven minutes of the second half, they showed sufficient control throughout to atone for the previous week's defeat to Waterford.

“You’d have to be pleased in the manner of the character that the lads showed in the second half when it looked like the auld avalanche was coming and the goals were coming,” said Dublin manager Anthony Daly.

"I was delighted that we didn't panic and we hurled away, tipping off a couple of points. We improved as it went along. Still, it was in the balance right until the death but we managed to get over the line.

Kept possession
"They worked it out and kept possession and it was tough going. It gives us nothing more than a fighting chance for next week and we're delighted to have that. We have a very tough fixture away to Tipperary next Sunday," he said.

Dublin were far more economical than they had been at Walsh Park eight days ago and the return to the side of Danny Sutcliffe was pivotal.

His match-winning contribution of 1-5, the goal arriving courtesy of David Herity’s uncharacteristic error in the 32nd minute, gave Dublin a more clinical edge especially towards the end of the first half as they struck 1-6 without reply to open up a ten-point interval lead.

Dublin had the advantage of the strong breeze and began with both Conal Keaney and Alan McCrabbe landing two points prior to Kilkenny gaining a foothold through a well-worked goal from late replacement John Power, who availed of a powerful surge by Walter Walsh to fire home from close range.

Crucially for Dublin, Sutcliffe and Colm Cronin replied with points within two minutes of that goal and with the match beginning to open up, McCrabbe highlighted his value with a sublime sideline cut on the quarter-hour mark.

Kilkenny were largely reliant of Eoin Larkin’s accuracy from placed balls for scores although Aidan Fogarty showed superb control and balance to leave his trailing by just two points by the 24th minute.

With Joseph Boland accentuating a lively showing at centrefield with three well-taken scores, Dublin looked threatening in attack and Sutcliffe’s fortunate goal added momentum to their challenge with the current All-Star’s dominance ensuring Tommy Walsh was replaced at half-time.

Colin Fennelly’s cracking goal within three minutes of the resumption helped restore Kilkenny’s equilibrium and when Jack Doughan was harshly penalised after a grapple with Jonjo Farrell, TJ Reid converted the resultant penalty to trim his side’s deficit to just four points by the 43rd minute.

It was at this juncture that Dublin began to regain control with Michael Carton and Shane Durkin particularly prominent at wing-back.

Defensive solidity allowed Dublin to ensure their lead remained at a comfortable four -point margin for most of the half with both McCrabbe and Sutcliffe adding points into the breeze.

Some errant shooting from Kilkenny helped their cause and despite some late scrambles in the home defence, the win was secured through fine scores by substitute Mark Schutte and Ryan O’Dwyer.

Kilkenny boss Brian Cody was philosophical about the result. "We're looking at players . . We were hoping to win tonight and we didn't but we have Waterford next week and it's going to be an interesting game again."
DUBLIN: G Maguire; N Corcoran, P Kelly, C O'Callaghan; S Durkin, L Rushe, M Carton, J Boland (0-3), J McCaffrey (0-1); R O'Dwyer (0-1), A McCrabbe (0-6, 0-3 frees, 0-1 65, 0-1 sideline), D Sutcliffe (1-5); D O'Callaghan (0-1), C Keaney (0-3, one free), C Cronin (0-1). Subs: J Doughan for Corcoran (41 mins), M Schutte (0-1) for McCaffrey (56 mins), N McMorrow for Cronin (63 mins), S McGrath for D O'Callaghan (69 mins).
KILKENNY: D Herity; P Murphy, B Hogan, T Keogh; T Walsh, L Ryan, J Holden; R Hogan (0-1, free), C Buckley (0-1); W Walsh (0-1), C Fennelly (1-0), E Larkin (0-4, 0-3 frees, 0-1 65); J Farrell (0-1), J Power (1-1), A Fogarty (0-1). Subs: TJ Reid (1-0, penalty) for J Power (35 mins), P Walsh (0-2) for T Walsh (ht), H Sheflin for Fogarty (44), B Kennedy for Ryan (61 mins), R Power for W Walsh (63 mins).
Referee: John Sexton (Cork).