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Allianz HL D1B: Dublin defeat Antrim

Andrew Dunphy, Dublin, in Allianz Hurling League action against Conal Cunning, Antrim, at Corrigan Park.

Andrew Dunphy, Dublin, in Allianz Hurling League action against Conal Cunning, Antrim, at Corrigan Park.

Allianz Hurling League Division 1B

Dublin 2-19 Antrim 2-15

By David Mohan at Corrigan Park

A strong second half performance saw Dublin shake find the answers to claim victory over Antrim at a windswept Corrigan Park in Belfast on Saturday afternoon.

Paul Crummey's 53rd minute goal two minutes after Neil McManus found the net for Antrim to bring the gap down to new proved a pivotal moment as the Dubs maintain their unbeaten start to 2022.

That's not to say they were in full control of this game and would have been much the happier side to have gone in at the break level as Antrim outplayed them for long stretches, but the boys in blue, who were without manager Mattie Kenny whose mother Annie passed away just hours before throw-in, just had that extra bit of quality when the game was up for grabs.

While Conor Johnston pointed Antrim into a first minute lead, it was Dublin who were better to fully settle as their ability to dominate in the rucks and the air saw them get on the front foot and with a substantial wind at their backs, rattles off five points on the trot.

Fergal Whitely knocked over a brace, as did Dónal Burke from frees and when Danny Sutcliffe added another, it appeared this game was following the same pattern of recent meetings.

Antrim suddenly clicked with Conal Cunning and Neil McManus pointing in quick succession and after Keelan Molloy reduced the gap tone, the Saffrons hit the front as an inch-perfect ball from Eoghan Campbell found McManus in the left corner who turned James Madden and rifled to the net.

Points from Cunning and Niall McKenna followed with Antrim not the dominant force as Dublin's shooting went awry.

Burke continued to carry the fight for the visitors who trailed by that goal in first half stoppage time when they were awarded a penalty as Paul Crummey was hauled down inside the area and Burke drilled the resultant award low to the net to leave the sides locked at 1-8 at the half as the rain poured in.

While Antrim were again first off the mark int he second period, Dublin began to turn the screw, outscoring the hosts by six points to two in the opening 15 minutes as they made the adjustments to snuff out the Antrim attack.

That's not to say the Saffrons were completely snuffed out as Alan Nolan was forced into a smart save from Conal Cunning, but could do nothing to keep a 51st minute Neil McManus penalty out that left just one between the teams.

However, the Dubs responded in perfect fashion as two minutes later, Eamon Dillon spun in from the left, played an inviting ball across goal and Paul Crummey was there to slam home.

Dublin were able to manage things from there on out as the pulled further clear with a range of scorers, while Neil McManus was left to carry the fight with points from frees, although three off-target would leave Antrim just too far behind in the final moments as they got to within four, but Dublin had their work done to claim victory.

Scorers for Dublin: Dónal Burke 1-9 (0-7 frees, 1-0 penalty),Paul Crummey 1-0 Danny Sutcliffe 0-2, Fergal Whitely 0-2, Eamon Dillon 0-1, Chris Crummey 0-1, James Madden 0-1, John Bellew 0-1, Jake Malone 0-1.

Scorers for Antrim: Neil McManus 2-7 (0-5 frees, 1-0 penalty, 0-1 65), Kellan Molloy 0-2, Conla Cunning 0-2, Paddy Burke 0-1, Niall McKenna 0-1, Conor Johnston 0-1, James McNaughton 0-1 (free)

DUBLIN: Alan Nolan; Andrew Dunphy, Eoghan O'Donnell, Cian O'Callaghan; John Bellew, Paddy Smyth, James Madden; Chris Crummey, Conor Burke; Dónal Burke, Rian McBride, Danny Sutcliffe; Fergal Whitely, Ronan Hayes, Paul Crummey.

Subs: Eamon Dillon for R Hayes (45), Jake Malone for R McBride (56), Aidan Mellett for P Crummey (59), Davy Keogh for J Bellew (6), Colin Currie for F Whitely (70).

ANTRIM: Ryan Elliott; Niall O'Connor, Gerard Walsh, Stephen Rooney; Paddy Burke, Eoghan Campbell, Joe Maskey; Scott Walsh, Keelan Molloy; Niall McKenna, Domhnall Nugent, Neil McManus; Seaan Elliott, Conor Johnston, Conal Cunning.

Subs: Michael Bradley for S Walsh (54), Eoin O'Neil for D Nugent (54), James McNaughton for C Johnston (54), Daniel McKernan for K Molloy (69), David Kearney for N O'Connor (70).

REFEREE: John Keenan (Wicklow).