by James McMahon
O’Connor Park in Tullamore is the venue as Carlow and Meath try once again to secure a berth in the provincial semi-final.
The tenacity that Carlow showed in forcing a draw last Sunday has to be applauded. Playing with a numerical disadvantage as the game entered its dying minutes, JJ Smith was on hand to capitalize on a mistake by the Meath goalkeeper to bag a goal that ensured parity.
Indeed, the Division 4 side had enough chances in the second half to win the game.
Dempsey, not surprisingly, was proud of the shift his charges put in. Speaking to RTÉ Sport afterwards he said: “I never thought the game was gone from us, despite having two players sent off.
"The game was ebbing and flowing, and in the heat of championship it sometimes doesn’t matter how many players you have on the pitch.
"To be proud of these lads is an understatement. Daniel St Leger went off after the break and that was a blow for us, but we have 26 lads who have given huge commitment over the last few weeks.
"The subs that came made a huge difference. We don’t have huge resources in Carlow but we have plenty of spirit.”
You can be sure that the team, despite injuries to key players and suspensions are going to give it their all in the replay, well aware of the growing pressure that is coming down on Meath.
After beating Wicklow in the preliminary round it was expected the Royals would comfortably take care of Carlow. The fact that it didn’t turn out like was a surprise to many, with manager Seamus McEnaney a relieved man after the final whistle.
Only an impressive win in the replay will keep the ‘Banty’ doubters quiet for now. A defeat will leave the Monaghan man in a very difficult situation.
Meath’s cause can be helped with Joe Sheridan upping his performance from the drawn match, while collectively being more adept at stopping the opposition building from the back. Carlow were given too much room last Sunday to plan their scoring raids.
Daniel St Ledger’s absence, as a result of a torn hamstring the last day, is a blow to Luke Dempsey’s side.
In truth they need the Murphy brothers, Brendan and Brian on the pitch and the hope within the county is that the pair can play a meaningful part in the replay after suffering concussion and a dead leg respectively last weekend.
On paper, Meath should win this replay with a few points to spare, but don’t be surprised if they make heavy weather of it.
Verdict: Meath
