Allianz Football League Division One

DUBLIN 2-15 GALWAY 0-15

By Cian O'Connell at Pearse Stadium

Following Kerry's victory on Saturday the stakes weren't exactly piled high in Salthill, but Dublin had sufficient guile to eke out a win in the west.

Prompted by second half goals from lively substitute Sean Bugler and Con O'Callaghan, Desie Farrell's charges finished with a flourish.

Galway had edged 0-12 to 0-8 in front by the 47th minute, but Dublin dictated the agenda from then until the finish.

Bugler slammed a 50th minute major and though Galway remained competitive, Dublin added a second deep into additional time when O'Callaghan netted.

The opening period belonged to the splendid long range shooting of Paul Conroy, who filched six points for the home team.

St James' clubman Conroy, backed by the elements, illustrated his kicking ability from distance for Galway, who were anxious to respond following the hugely disappointing defeat to Mayo.

That meant Galway were disciplined defensively and when they broke Conroy clipped a couple of nice efforts from play.

Dublin, though, enjoyed some productive moments also with Paddy Small landing two sweet scores, while Ciaran Kilkenny supplied glimpses of his enduring excellence.

Ultmately when refereee David Coldrick blasted the half-time whistle Galway had nailed 0-9 from 13 attempts, an efficient Dublin struck 0-7 from nine.

When the action recommenced Dean Rock clipped a free before Galway struck three on the spin courtesy of substitute Shane Walsh, Gary O'Donnell, and Conroy.

Dublin responded with a burst of their own with 1-4 without reply including Bugler's goal.

There was little wrong with Galway's attitude and application, but Dublin, guided by Paddy Small's clever touches in attack, stayed in the lead.

Galway had the gap down to two in the dying embers, but O'Callaghan fired a goal after his initial attempt had hit the crossbar.

Within seconds the crafty Cuala attacker claimed a mark and pointed ensuring Dublin left the banks of the Corrib armed with the spoils.

Westmeath in the Leinster SFC is Dublin's next assignment on November 7. Galway face Sligo in Connacht on the same day. Much more will be on the line in those particular tussles.

Scorers for Dublin: Dean Rock 0-6 (4fs), Con O'Callaghan 1-2 (1m), Sean Bugler 1-1, Paddy Small 0-4, Ciaran Kilkenny 0-2.

Scorers for Galway: Paul Conroy 0-8 (6fs), Robert Finnerty 0-2 (1f), Jason Leonard, Gary O'Donnell, Liam Silke, Shane Walsh, and Adrian Varley (m) 0-1 each.

DUBLIN: Stephen Cluxton; Cian Murphy, David Byrne, Michael Fitzsimons; Eoin Murchan, John Small, Robbie McDaid; Brian Fenton, James McCarthy; Brian Howard, Ciaran Kilkenny, Eric Lowndes; Paddy Small, Con O’Callaghan, Dean Rock.

Subs: Sean Bugler for Lowndes (HT), Cormac Costello for McCarthy (47), Tom Lahiff for Howard (62), Kevin McManamon for P Small (67), Philly McMahon for Murphy (69).

GALWAY: Bernard Power; Seán Ó Maolchiaráin, Seán Kelly, James Boyle; Liam Silke, Gary O’Donnell, Johnny Heaney; Céin D’Arcy, Tom Flynn; Paul Kelly, Paul Conroy, Jason Leonard; Robert Finnerty, Adrian Varley, Ian Burke.

Subs: Maitias O Baireid for Flynn (31), Shane Walsh for Burke (HT), Gary Sice for Finnerty (HT), Cillian McDaid for O'Donnell (54), Gareth Bradshaw for P Kelly (59).

REFEREE: David Coldrick (Meath).