Wicklow 1-12 DCU 2-9:Wicklow built up a six-point lead in a dominant first half, then coughed it up early in the second, and DCU will feel unlucky to come away with just a draw at Greystones yesterday.

With Paudge McWalter marking his return to the Wicklow team from a three year injury with a super display at centre-back, Harry Murphy’s men gained the upper hand in the first half and a well-taken goal by corner-forward Brendan McCrea eased them into a deserved 1-7 to 0-4 lead at the break.

DCU, without 12 of their Sigerson Cup-winning squad, including Mick Murphy and Dean Rock, looked to be out of their depth at that stage. However they staged a spirited fight-back in the second half and two rapid fire goals by substitute Jack Brady and Jack McCarron in the space of three minutes brought the teams level on 40 minutes.

James Stafford and Dean Healy put Wicklow two points ahead with just 10 minutes remaining before substitute Brady and Brian Donnelly levelled for DCU for a fifth time on 65 minutes.