Dublin 2-15 Wexford 0-16(after extra-time): The best laid plans of Pat Gilroy almost came crashing down around his ears at Croke Park this evening but Dublin remain in the Leinster championship following a extraordinary tussle with Wexford.
Trailing 0-8 to 0-2 after a dismal first half in which they managed just one measly point from play, Dublin fought back to force extra-time. By then, Wexford had run out of steam and were reduced to the role of bystanders as Gilroy’s side booked their place in the next round.
The first half could scarcely have gone any worse for the Dubs. While Matty Forde, playing his first competitive match since August 2008, was giving an exhibition at one end, Dublin were misfiring badly at the other.
Their two points were just about all they deserved and, for the first time in God knows how many years, Dublin fans were leaving in their droves at the break. Those who chose to stay were treated to a rollercoaster ride.
While the second half started in largely the same vein, something finally clicked after 50 minutes. Paul Flynn and Alan Brogan got things moving before Bernard Brogan slotted home a goal to level the contest.
Indiscipline, a feature of their play all afternoon, threatened to scupper the revival as Denis Bastic and Ger Brennan both saw red but by the end of 70 minutes it was Wexford hanging on.
Extra-time, with Dublin restored to their full compliment of 15, was only going to go one way and the writing was on the wall when Brogan slammed home his second goal of the day.
Dublin will now meet either Laois or Meath, who could not be separated after extra-time earlier today, in the Leinster semi-finals.