Dublin Keep Undefeated Record Intact In Castlebar

Allianz GAA Football National League Division One
Mayo 1-8 Dublin 1-9

Dublin maintained their unbeaten start to the Allianz GAA Football National League Division One campaign with a 1-9 to 1-8 win over wayward Mayo at Castlebar on Sunday.

Pat Gilroy's side secured their third straight win of the campaign and join Cork at the top of the table after another impressive performance.

However, Mayo boss John O'Mahony will be furious that his side surrendered their own unbeaten record as they had opportunities galore in a second half pockmarked by some woeful shooting. Indeed, the Westerners hit 19 wides throughout the game. 

Dublin led 0-5 to 0-4 at the break, as they once again demonstrated the impressive work ethic that has come to define their play this year. Mayo's cause was not helped when influential midfielder Ronan McGarrity was forced off at half-time, while the same fate befell Peadar Gardiner. 

Their defence restricted the Mayo forwards to jut one score from play in the opening half - Aidan O'Shea's opening point of the game.

Alan Hubbard, Kevin McManamon and Kevin Bonner were all on target for the visitors, while youngster Enda Varley kept Mayo in the game from placed balls.

The Dubs nudged into the lead thanks to a fine effort from the impressive Eamon Fennell, before the sides swapped scores, leaving the Sky Blues a point to the good at the break.   

The turning point of the game appeared to come in the 46th minute when Mayo's profligacy was temporarily cast aside for Varley to find the back of the net. He added free and Mayo led by a clear goal.

However, the Dubs demonstrated the newfound steel they have developed this year when Bernard Brogan found the back of the net after a pass from fellow substitute Conal Keaney, who sent his side back into the lead.    

Michael Darragh MacAuley, one of Gilroy's real finds of the campaign thus far, was on target to give Dublin a two-point, 1-9 to 1-7, advantage going into the final minutes.

Andy Moran had a late chance to win the game from a free, but his shot was tipped onto the crossbar and over for a point as the Dubs managed to hang on for a win by the narrowest of margins.