'Game against Antrim is massive for both sides' says Kildare boss Brian Dowling

Although Kildare hurling manager, Brian Dowling was disappointed after Saturday evenings loss to Dublin in Kildare's first outing in Division 1B of the Allianz Hurling League, he was quick to point out that he felt the result wasn't a true reflection of their efforts.

“We conceded those two early goals and we were always playing catch up. I thought Dublin defended brilliantly to prevent Muiris Curtin's goal chance and while we could have reduced the gap to four Dublin went straight up the field and got their second goal.

“At this level any mistakes are punished and Dublin did that to us today. Our lads will learn plenty from this as the season progresses. Our shooting efficiency wasn't good enough and we missed too many chances, especially frees in either half and despite falling away late on we will learn from this.”

Dublin had a game last week against Clare while Kildare had a bye but as manager Dowling said, “we knew we had a bye and that is why we targeted the Walsh Cup for preparation and I thought our performance against Kilkenny was very good. Dublin would have targeted this game as a good chance for two points especially as they were at home.”

Dowling concluded that he was happy to have Simon Leacy and Cathal Dowling back on the field and getting more game into Conan Boran was a another bonus.

“It was Cathal Dowling's first game of the season and I thought he did really well for 60 minutes. We just have to regroup pick up the pieces during the week,” adding “Sunday's game against Antrim is massive in the context of the league and its massive for both sides.

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