Not enough time for Meath to master mass defence system

Going into yesterday’s Leinster decider in Croke Park, much of the build up centred on how Meath were going to approach their task against a heavily favoured, high-scoring Dublin team.

Meath had set themselves up in a traditional six backs, two midfield, six forwards approach all year and looked to move the ball direct by foot where possible. This style helped them overcome Wexford in the semi-final but was a recipe for disaster for Kildare when they tried the same tactics against Dublin.

That day Dublin created 13 clear-cut goal chances, eventually scored 4-16 in a game that was finished 10 minutes into the second half.