Monaghan players and management celebrate a fine win at Croke Park.
Allianz Football League Division One
MONAGHAN 2-12 DUBLIN 0-17
By Cian O’Connell at Croke Park
Substitute Fintan Kelly drilled a stylish point in the fourth minute of injury time as Monaghan defeated Dublin.
Monaghan’s patience was rewarded late on as the increasing depth of Malachy O’Rourke’s panel was evident at GAA headquarters.
Another replacement Jack McCarron had netted a glorious goal in the 66th minute for Monaghan, who were spirited throughout an enjoyable encounter watched by 22,085 spectators.
An early Dublin burst yielded five points in 10 minutes as Jim Gavin’s charges edged 0-5 to 0-2 ahead with Dean Rock sharp in attack.
The prolific Ballymun Kickhams forward clipped three efforts, while Brian Fenton and Philly McMahon also burst through to land scores.
At the opposite end, though, Monaghan runners from deep were beginning to cause Dublin problems with Dessie Mone firing a point prior to Vinny Corey’s excellent 13th minute goal.
Corey, still an influential figure for Monaghan, used all of his guile, timing his run to perfection before unleashing a blistering shot which made the Dublin net dance.
Dublin responded by kicking three of the next five points during a tight second quarter ensuring the teams departed deadlocked at the interval, 0-8 to 1-5.
After the break it followed a similar pattern with Monaghan competing strongly and the teams were level, 0-10 to 1-7 by the 46th minute.
Monaghan players and management celebrate a fine win at Croke Park.
Dublin then made a little dart with Niall Scully and Rock clipping quickfire points, but Monaghan remained defiant staying in the hunt.
Scores from Ryan McAnespie and Conor McManus (free) were sandwiched either side of a point from Dublin substitute Colm Basquel as the All Ireland champions were 0-13 to 1-9 ahead.
Monaghan trailed by two with five minutes left on the clock when Jack McCarron announced his arrival into the game with a delicious goal.
Philly McMahon was sent off subsequently for a second bookable offence and Monaghan were ready, willing, and able to pounce eventually.
Brian Fenton restored parity on 68 with a long range point and the closing stages featured a drop of drama when McCarron steered Monaghan ahead once more.
Dublin levelled courtesy of Brian Howard, but Kelly earned Monaghan victory with a delightful winner.
Scorers for Monaghan: Vinny Corey and Jack McCarron 1-1 each, Conor McCarthy 0-3 (2fs), Conor McManus 0-2 (1f), Karl O’Connell, Dessie Mone, Ryan McAnespie, Kieran Hughes, and Fintan Kelly 0-1 each.
Scorers for Dublin: Dean Rock 0-7 (5fs), Brian Howard, Brian Fenton, and Philly McMahon 0-2 each, David Byrne, Niall Scully, Brian Fenton, John Small, and Colm Basquel 0-1 each
MONAGHAN: Rory Beggan; Conor Boyle, Drew Wylie, Ryan Wylie; Karl O’Connell, Vinny Corey, Dessie Mone; Niall Kearns, Paudie McKenna; Darren Hughes, Owen Duffy, Ryan McAnespie; Conor McCarthy, Kieran Hughes, Conor McManus.
Subs: Fintan Kelly for McKenna (46), Dessie Ward for Duffy (46), Colin Walshe for Mone (55, BC), Jack McCarron for McCarthy (55), Neil MacAdam for Kearns (59), Thomas Kerr for Kieran Hughes (70).
DUBLIN: Evan Comerford; Michael Fitzsimons, Philly McMahon, David Byrne; Darren Daly, James McCarthy, John Small; Brian Howard, Brian Fenton; Niall Scully, Cormac Costello, Shane Carthy; Conor McHugh, Dean Rock, Kevin McManamon.
Subs: Colm Basquel for McManamon (44), Michael Darragh MacAuley for Carthy (44), Eoin Murchan for Daly (53), Paddy Small for McMugh (53), Emmet O’Conghaile for Costello (64).
REFEREE: David Gough (Meath).
