U21s keep faith in same team for Leinster semi-final against Longford

Tue, 17th March 2015

Dublin have named an unchanged team for Wednesday night’s EirGrid Leinster U21FC semi-final against Longford in Páirc Tailteann, Navan (7.30).

The Dubs defeated Laois, 2-21 to 2-10, in their quarter-final two weeks ago after the came back from a point in arrears early in the second half to run out deserved winners with Shane Carthy’s late goal putting a rather flattering look on the final scoreline.

Longford have impressed in their two games to date when outclassing both Louth, 1-17 to 1-4, in their quarter-final and Wicklow, 4-13 to 1-5, in the first round.

Dublin manager Dessie Farrell knows his men are in for a major battle.

“They have a very good handle on us, given that we have played each other twice over the past two years and they’ll certainly be looking to turn us over much as we will be looking to do something similar.

“Longford deserved their win against us in Parnell Park two years ago and thankfully we were able to get the better of them last year but the games against them are always hugely competitive and enjoyable.

“It will be a very interesting tussle between two well-matched teams and Longford’s form so far has been very impressive,” says Dessie.

Meanwhile, the Dublin minor footballers face Kildare in the Leinster MFL Final this Saturday afternoon (12.0) in Hawfield, outside Newbridge. The Dubs narrowly beat Meath last Saturday in their semi-final in Parnell Park (0-11 to 0-10) with an injury-time free from Callum Pearson while the Lilywhites comfortably overcame Carlow in their semi-final.

DUBLIN (U21FC v Longford)

1 Loran Molloy (St Anne's)

2 Emile Mullan (Na Fianna)

3 David Byrne (Nh Olaf)

4 Ross McGowan (Kilmacud Crokes)

5 Eric Lowndes (St Peregrine's)

6 Conor Mulally (Cuala)

7 Eoin Murchan (Na Fianna)

8 Stephen Cunningham (St Sylvester's)

9 Shane Carthy (Nh Mearnóg

10 Robbie Gaughan (Ballinteer St John's)

11 Michael Deegan (Donaghmore Ashbourne)