U20 footballers face Meath in Leinster semi-final

Dublin under-20 footballers face Meath on Thursday night in their EirGrid Leinster U20FC semi-final in Páirc Tailteann, Navan (7.30).

The Dubs defeated Wicklow in a tight battle, 1-12 to 1-8, last week in their quarter-final in Parnell Park.

Meath received a bye to the provincial semi-final on the basis of their minor footballers recently winning last year's delayed Leinster MFC final.

The counties met at the same stage last year when Dublin came out on top in Parnell Park (2-14 to 0-7).

Here we look back on that encounter which featured several players who are part of this year's panel including Adam Rafter, Rory Dwyer, Adam Waddick, Mark Lavin, Lorcan O'Dell, Seám Foran (who suffered an injury last week against Wicklow), Luke Swan, Adam Fearon and Conor Tyrrell.

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2020 LEINSTER U20FC SEMI-FINAL

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21: Parnell Park

DUBLIN 2-14 MEATH 0-7

Dublin under-20 footballers progressed to the EirGrid Leinster U20FC final following this comprehensive provincial semi-final victory over Meath at Parnell Park.

The Dubs laid the platform for the victory in the opening half as they led 1-8 to 0-3 at the half-time interval having played with the elements.

Dublin's work-rate did not relent in the second period as they ran out comfortable 13-point victors and set up a Leinster final against Laois.

The Royal County's quest was hindered by the non selection of senior footballer Shane Walsh, owing to injury, and in his absence their attack lacked a focal point.

Backed by the wind Dublin started well and were 1-4 to 0-0 ahead inside just eight minutes.

Kieran McKeon opened Dublin's account in the second minute before Luke Swan got the first goal in the second minute when he finished Ciarán Archer's angled goal effort to the Meath net.

Points from midfielder Evan Caulfield, who tallied 0-3 from play overall, and Luke Swan gave Dublin an early seven-point advantage.

Meath failed to score from play in the opening half, all their three scores coming from placed balls, while the hard-working Mark Lavin chipped in with two fine points for Dublin towards the close of the opening half.

On the occasions Meath did threaten, Dublin's defence stood strong with Rory Dwyer in particular putting in some telling interceptions and dispossessions.

Three minutes into the second half Lorcan O'Dell carved through the middle of the Meath defence before finishing to the net with poise to see his side move 2-8 to 0-3 in front.

Evan Caulfield pointed off his left to extend Dublin's advantage.

At the three-quarter mark Ciarán Archer looked sure to score Dublin's third goal but was denied by Meath keeper Seán Brennan and they had his second attempt saved on the line.

Sub Pádraig Purcell came off the bench in the second period and kicked two points in a lively display as Tom Gray's side ran out winners.

SCORERS – Dublin: L O’Dell 1-2, L Swan 1-1, E Caulfield 0-3, M Lavin, C Archer, K McKeon, P Purcell 0-2 each. Meath: L Mitchell (0-2f) 0-2, L Byrne (0-1 '45'), J Morris (0-1f), D McGow, M Costello, C Rogers 0-1 each.

DUBLIN: J O’Neill; A Murphy, A Rafter, J Bannon; R Dwyer, A Waddick, L Gannon; K McGinnis, E Caulfield; M Lavin, L O’Dell, S Foran; C Archer, L Swan, K McKeon. Subs: P Purcell for Foran (41), A Fearon for Caulfield (48), C Kinsella for Gannon (53), S Braiden O’Byrne for Lavin (53), C Tyrell for Murphy (57).

MEATH: S Brennan; B Wyer, J O’Hare, M Gavin; C Hickey, L Byrne, M Murphy; J Flynn, D McGow; M Costello, A Lynch, J O’Connor; J Morris, L Mitchell, C Rogers. Subs: C Farrelly for Murphy (35), D Keating for Rogers (40), B O’Connell for Lynch (48), P Matthews for O’Connor (53), S Bannon for Gavin (57).

REF: J Hickey (Carlow).