Minors defeat Offaly but lose to Kildare in Leinster MFL

Dublin's minor footballers, managed by Paddy Christie, enjoyed a day of mixed results on Saturday in the Leinster MFL Round 2.

At St Clare's in DCU Dublin were beaten by Kildare 4-11 to 0-15 after the Lilywhites dominated the last ten minutes to run out clearcut victors.

With ten minutes to play Dublin led 0-15 to 2-7 but facing into a very strong wind failed to score again and were punished at the back as they began to tire.

In the opening half Dublin played some enterprising football and possibly should have led by more than 0-12 to 1-4 at the half-time interval.

Points from Donal Timoney and Conor Lennon got Dublin off the mark but they were rocked back by a Kildare goal in the 11th minute.

However, Dublin responded well with points from John Kindlon (free), Conor Kelly (two) and Tom Fox to regain the lead.

Before the 20th minute marker Dublin tagged on points from Kindlon (two, one free) and Stephen Smith to extend their advantage to 0-9 to 1-2.

Dublin concluded the half on the up with scores form Barra McGarry and an excellent Darragh Spillane effort to lead by five points at the break.

However, Kildare with the wind at their back were a much more determined and potent force in the second half and punished any carelessness or bad judgement in the Dublin defence and fully merited their victory.

Over in Páirc Ciceam, Ballymun Kickhams Dublin were too strong when overcoming Offaly 2-15 to 1-7.

Dylan Keating with 1-8 was the scorer-in-chief for the Dubs with Michael Courtney grabbing the other goal.

Dublin finish their round-robin stages of the Leinster MFL with away games against Laois and Westmeath next Saturday.