The Dubs Finish Strongly To Get Past Wexford And Into The Leinster Final

Dublin produced a strong final 20 minutes to defeat Wexford by 2-11 to 1-10 in the Leinster GAA Football Championship semi-final at Croke Park on Sunday, and set up an exciting final clash with old rivals Meath.

Wexford had performed gallantly until about 15 minutes into the second half, but despite leading by two points and playing with an extra man after the dismissal of Diarmuid Connolly at that stage, they fell away dramatically, and Dublin dominated the final stages to seal a four-point win.

Kevin McManamon's goal after 53 minutes was the crucial score. That put Dublin in front at 2-8 to 1-10, and they kept Wexford scoreless for the remainder of the game, as well as adding three more points of their own, to ease to victory.

Wexford led 1-8 to 1-5 at the break after an impressive first half display which seemed to catch Dublin off guard.

Although Dublin hit the front with two early scores from McManamon and Connolly, Wexford soon hit their stride, and led by some brilliant scores from play from Ben Brosnan, took control of the game.

Redmond Barry got Wexford off the mark, and then a few minutes later sent them into the lead with a well taken goal after he caught a long ball in over the top.

Alan Brogan and Brosnan traded scores, but Dublin were beginning to create space up front, and they carved out a few goal chances, through Connolly and Bernard Brogan, only to see them flash wide.

A typically impressive score from Adrian Flynn edged Wexford three points ahead, and then a superb Brosnan point from the right sent Wexford four clear after 21 minutes.

Dublin finally took a goal chance shortly after this though, Connolly finishing low to the left hand corner of the net.

Another Brosnan beauty kept Wexford two in front, but points from McManamon and Bryan Cullen brought the sides level after 25 minutes.

Dublin were beginning to grow in confidence, and it took a wonderful save from Anthony Masterson to keep out a goalbound shot from Bernard Brogan.

But Wexford were fighting hard and playing well, and points from Shane Roche, PJ Banville, and a fourth from Brosnan, sent them into the dressing room three in front.

Dublin's cause was made considerably harder shortly after the restart when Connolly was given a straight red following an off the ball incident.

Dublin coped well in the immediate aftermath of the dismissal, and hit the next three scores to go level at 1-8 each, Cluxton (free), Kevin Nolan, and Bernard Brogan (free) getting them.

Masterson made another fine save in this period, blocking well from Cullen, and buoyed by this, Flynn and Roche kicked points in quick succession to restore a two-point Wexford lead with 20 minutes to go.

However, just when Wexford could sense the chance of an unexpected win, they wilted badly, and Dublin pulled away.

McManamon took his goal well after a pass from Bernard Brogan, and following a number of wides from frees from Brosnan, Dublin tacked on four points in the final 15 minutes.

McManamon knocked over a fine effort, while Cluxton, Nolan and Cullen all raised white flags to set up what will be a much-anticipated Leinster decider with Meath.