Dublin 0-18 Wexford 1-13 Dublin hurlers are on cloud-nine following a two-point win over Wexford at Nowlan Park, Kilkenny, which places the Metropolitans in their first Leinster SHC final since 1991. They came, they saw and they conquered but Anthony Daly's charges withstood some heart-stopping moments in the second half as Wexford pushed them to the pin of their collars. Firstly an early second half goal from Nicky Kirwan brought Wexford back into contention, after Dublin had held an 0-11 to 0-7 interval lead. Then an injury to Alan McCrabbe which was followed quickly by the dismissal of Kevin Flynn through a second yellow card - with the game having just entered the closing ten minutes. There was also a strong Wexford scoring onslaught, with Diarmuid 'Gizzy' Lyng bagging seven points from his midfield berth. But nothing could replace Dublin's eagerness and determination for victory as they carved out a first win over Wexford since 1990, with a two-point victory before an attendance of 9,490. Dublin looked like romping to a facile win in the opening half such was they enthusiasm and exuberance as they burst out of the blocks. After 20 minutes Anthony Daly's charges held a comfortable 0-8 to 0-2 lead, with David Redmond chipping in with both of Wexford's scores. Craobh Chiarain clubman Alan McCrabbe was very much the danger-man up front, and helped himself to five of those early Dublin points, with Shane Durkin and David Treacy (2) also on target. But gradually Wexford came into this game, with Diarmuid Lyng leading the charge, with good work . As Wexford tried to come to terms with Dublin's brilliance, the Slaneysiders found frustration setting in with four yellow cards in the opening half. Lyng, Tomas Waters, David 'Doc' O'Connor and Malachy Travers had all entered the book of referee Cathal McAlister by the interval. After Wexford's shaky start they edged their way back into this game thanks to the efforts of Lyng, Willie Doran and Stephen Banville but Dublin still held command at half-time on an 0-11 to 0-7 score-line. A goal from substitute Nicky Kirwan gave Wexford the lift they needed on the restart, and although the sides were level in the 44th minute, following Lyngs fourth point to leave the score at 1-10 to 0-13 - Dublin showed great hunger in the final quarter. Scores from David O'Callaghan and McCrabbe edged Dublin three points clear with 21 minutes remaining, but scores suddenly were at a premium, with defences coming out on top. It would take a further 14 minutes for either side to produce a score with Simon Lambert helping to edge Dublin into a 0-17 to 1-10 advantage. Lyng was on fire in the closing stages as three unanswered points, including two frees; cut the gap to the minimum as injury-time approached. However Dublin withstood this Wexford onslaught and the loss of both Flynn and McCrabbe in the closing ten minutes to hold out for victory, with Lambert's second point the vital insurance score. There were scenes of unbridled joy after the game following this win, but Dublin manager Anthony Daly will be certainly aware of the need to keep his players grounded ahead of their biggest test yet against Kilkenny in the July 5th decider at Croke Park. Dublin - G Maguire; N Corcoran, T Brady, O Gough; S Hiney, J Boland, M Carton; J McCaffrey, S Durkin (0-1); D Treacy (0-2), P Kelly, K Flynn; D O'Callaghan (0-2), L Rushe (0-1), A McCrabbe (0-10, 9f, 1'65). Sub - , S Lambert (0-2), D Sweeney for McCrabbe (60). Wexford - D Fitzhenry; M Travers, P Roche, D O'Connor; M Jacob, R Kehoe (0-1), C Kenny; D Lyng (0-7, 6f), P Atkinson; W Doran (0-1), T Waters, R Jacob; D Redmond (0-2), S Banville (0-1), S Doyle (0-1). Subs: N Kirwan (1-0) for Atkinson (ht), J Tonks for Kehoe (53); PJ Nolan for Banville (54); E Martin for R Jacob (66). Ref - Cathal McAlister (Cork). Tweet

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