Gaelic Games Leinster Under-21 FC: Wicklow 1-9 Carlow 0-3 Wicklow were superior in practically all aspects of play as they dismissed a weak Carlow challenge in this first round tie at Dr Cullen Park, Carlow, yesterday.

Given the lacklustre performance of the opposition, Wicklow will not yet know their true strength as they prepare for a second round home meeting with All-Ireland champions Dublin.

Carlow failed to score for the final 36 minutes of this game - Aidan Kelly's 24th minute point from play being their last score.

Earlier left-half forward Noel Conway had pointed two early frees to put the home county into an early lead.

It was obvious, however, from an early stage that Wicklow were the superior force. They dominated in all departments and, having played against the strong wind, trailed by only 0-3 to 0-2 at the break.

With wind advantage in the second half the visitors did as they pleased. Dara O'Sullivan pointed a 33rd minute free to level the match and two minutes later a point from play by substitute, Paul Cronin, put Wicklow in front.

In the 38th minute Wicklow senior panellist Stephen Hurley crashed home the game's only goal through a crowded Carlow goalmouth.

The Carlow challenge then collapsed completely as Wicklow added five points without reply and Carlow's misery was completed by a missed penalty in the 57th minute.

WICKLOW: I Burk; A Byrne, G Cullen, A Corr; E Burke, G Duffy, J Bolger; J Stafford (0-2), P Brophy; N Mernagh (0-1), S Hurley (1-2), M Kelly; D O'Sullivan (0-1, free), J P Dalton, W Callaghan (0-2, both frees). Subs: P Cronin (0-1) for Brophy, M Byrne for O'Sullivan, M O'Brien for E Burke, J Mooney for Kelly, M Sheehan for Dalton.

CARLOW: J Doyle; P Bambrick, S Kavanagh, L Murphy; J Nolan, M Nolan, P Cashin; M Brennan, B Nolan; P Kelly, E Phelan, N Conway (0-2, frees); E McCormack, R Walker, A Kelly (0-1). Subs: W Donoghue for J Nolan, C Pender for Phelan, JJ Smith for Conway, N Barrett for McCormack.

Referee: M Deegan (Laois).