Extra-special win for Dublin minors

Dublin 5-17 Offaly 1-15

A gutsy display by Dublin earned Cyril Kevlihan's charges a place in the ESB Leinster MFC final, after an extra-time win over Offaly at O'Connor Park, Tullamore this evening.

In a game full of drama, Offaly staged a dramatic second half comeback to ensure the sides were tied at 1-12 a piece at the end of normal time.

However, a flurry of goals for the Metropolitans ended Offaly's bid for provincial honours as the visitors booked a place in the Leinster final against neighbours Kildare.

Dublin were in tremendous form early in this game and led by 0-06 to 0-00 after 10 minutes.

A quartet of Paul Hudson points, coupled with a point each from Philip Ryan and Darragh Stapleton, had the Dubs up and running early on.

The visitors built up a 0-08 to 0-03 interval lead with Callum Boland, Mark Young and Darren Scanlon keeping Offaly in touch. Notably, Dublin came under tremendous pressure on the restart.

A brace of points, adding to an Anton Sullivan penalty goal, levelled the tie in the 35th minute.

A Gary Sweeney goal edged Dublin three points clear, but a strong Offaly rally ensured the sides were tied 1-12 apiece at the end of normal time.

Dublin were on fire in extra time, with a Darragh Stapleton goal powering them to a 2-15 to 1-15 interval lead.

Hudson, who top-scored with 2-07, and Ciaran Reddin added goals on the restart as the young Dubs held out for an ultimately impressive 14-point win.