The Dubs beat Mayo

DUBLIN 1-9 MAYO 1-8

Dublin maintained their 100 per recent in Division 1 of the NFL by returning from Mayo with two league points in the bag for the first time since February 1992.
Mayo were left to rue 18 wides (compared to three for Dublin) as the more economical Dubs finished strongly to edge out the home team in McHale Park, Castlebar on Suday afternoon in front of a crowd of over 11,000.
The introduction of Conal Keaney for the concluding 20 minutes was key in turning the game the way of Dublin as the powerful Ballyboden St Endas man won ball under pressure in central positions as well as setting up Bernard Brogan for his goal.
The Dublin defence also has to take huge credit for victory as their tackling and the pressure they exerted on Mayo forced the Connacht side into mistakes and some wayward striking.
The tight marking and pace of full-back Michael Fitzsimons made for a frustrating afernoon for Aidan OShea, while beside him Philly McMahon impressed at corner-back.
But the Dublin goal lived a charmed life on a couple of occasions once when Fitzsimons cleared off the line and also when sub Neil Douglas blazed wide when Stephen Cluxton played his team into trouble with a cross goal clearance.
Dublin led 0-5 to 0-4 at half-time but a strong third quarter from Mayo saw them move a goal clear following their goal from Enda Varley.
But Dublin did not panic with the ability of Keaney to win ball deep in opposition territory telling in this victory.
A long delivery was fielded by Keaney who unselfishly passed inside to Brogan who slide the ball to the net off his left foot.
Dublin face Monaghan next Saturday night in Parnell Park in their next game.

SCORERS – Dublin: B Brogan 1-0, R McConnell 0-2, E Fennell, A Hubbard, P McFlynn, K Bonner, M MacAuley, K McManamon, C Keaney 0-1 each. Mayo: E Varley 1-3 (3f), A Freeman (2f), A Moran (1f) 0-2 each, S O’Shea 0-1
DUBLIN – S Cluxton; P Conlon, M Fitzsimons, P McMahon; H Gill, C O’Sullivan, G Brennan; E Fennell, R McConnell; A Hubbard, P Flynn, K Bonner; D Henry, M MacAuley, K McManamon. Subs: K Nolan for Conlon (inj 35), B Brogan for McManamon (47), D Magee for Fennell (50), C Keaney for Henry (50), B McManamon for Hubbard (57).
MAYO – D Clarke; D Vaughan, G Cafferkey, K Higgins; P Gardiner, T Howley, K McLoughlin; T Parsons, R McGarrity; A Moran, S O’Shea, T Mortimer; E Varley, A O’Shea, A Freeman. Subs: C Barrett for Gardiner (inj 8), N Douglas for McGarrity (inj 21), B Kelly for Mortimer (60), C Mortimer for Freeman (64), M Sweeney for A O’Shea (71).
REF – P Fox (Westmeath).