Dublin picked up their second win of the Electric Ireland Leinster Minor Football Championship group stages on Wednesday with a 2-9 to 0-11 victory over Meath.
The Dublin goals came via the combination of Noah Byrne of Kilmacud Crokes and Paddy Curry of Ballyboden St Endas.
Byrne's handpass from the left wing in the fifth minute of the first half put corner forward Curry in space. After an incisive run, he slotted the ball past the Meath goalkeeper.
Despite the good start, Dublin trailed at the break, 0-5 to 1-1.
"We struggled in the first half," Dublin manager Damien Fennelly told Dubs TV.
"Meath were excellent. They pressed us. Half-time was a lovely time for us to go in and relax. The team again showed that when they get a little bit of calm, a little bit of instruction that they can go out and execute.
"The second half, they played a lot better, thankfully. We took our chances and that's what really made the difference."
Curry and Byrne goals for Dublin vs Meath
Noah Byrne ➡️ Paddy Curry
Paddy Curry ➡️ Noah Byrne
2 goals last night for @DubGAAOfficial created and scored by Curry and Byrne🏐
Watch the Dubs defeat @MeathGAA in last night's Minor Football here👉📺https://t.co/8RTIDVIpju @gaaleinster | @ElectricIreland pic.twitter.com/xKhq1haf3J— Clubber (@clubber) April 13, 2023
Two-and-a-half minutes into the second half, Curry returned the favour to Byrne. After catching a mark, he spotted the Dublin half-forward in space on the left wing and found him with a foot pass.
"The wind was very difficult," said Fennelly.
"It wasn't as easy [to play with it] as Meath showed in the first half. Sometimes, it's as difficult to play with it as without it. We brought it through the hands a little bit more.
"Noah and Paddy Curry down the left wing did the job. They played it through the hands instead of kicking it away. They took their chances, as they should do - that's what they are there for. Noah took his goal well, and Paddy did the same in the first half."
Next up for Dublin are Westmeath at Parnell Park on April 26th.
"Today was a nice example of who came on and did the job for us," said Fennelly.
"The finishers did excellent, changed the game again for us, brought the energy and played with intelligence. They are going to be looking for spots [in the starting team] on Wednesday week.
"I expect a better performance [against Westmeath] because we should be better than today. I 've got lads champing at the bit who are going to come in and make sure we were better the next day."
Despite their loss last night, what about this for an effort from @MeathGAA Minor John Harkin🏐
Beyond the 45, out beside the sideline - massive point🏳️
Watch last night's action on 📺https://t.co/8RTIDVIpju @gaaleinster | @ElectricIreland pic.twitter.com/Ah5sD6G8gU— Clubber (@clubber) April 13, 2023
See Also: Offaly Minors Can Learn A Lot From Comeback In ‘Horrific’ Conditions
