Bernard Brogan scored the all-important goal for Dublin against Donegal at Croke Park today.
An impressive Dublin side went through the motions to brush aside Donegal in this afternoon’s National league Division One semi-final at Croke Park on a final scoreline of 1-20 to 0-13.
The fact that just three of Donegal’s team managed to get on the scoreboard told a tale in itself.
Manager Rory Gallagher again decided to set out a defensive stall, and although it was not as defensive as the last game against the All-Ireland champions, they paid the price with their obvious lack of scores.
Dublin got out of the block fast but Donegal managed to stay in touch with some fine frees against the wind by Michael Murphy and Patrick McBrearty.
Martin McElhinney and Rock then swapped pointed efforts before Dublin were denied a first half goal as Bernard Brogan’s chance was blocked down.
Dublin managed to snatch four points towards the close of the opening half to Donegal’s two efforts to send the Sky Blues leading at half-time by 0-11 to 0-6.
There was just 50 seconds on the clock in the second half when Bernard Brogan did manage to find the back of the net and at that stage the writing was already on the wall for Donegal as they trailed by eight points.
McBrearty and Philly McMahon then traded points as the Champions continued to cancel out anything Donegal managed to muster.
Dublin had further goal chances but it looked like they were going through the motions at that stage.
Rory Gallagher will undoubtedly already be looking towards his side’s Ulster campaign but he must have concerns about the system he is playing and the mileage on the clocks of the likes of Karl Lacey, Colm McFadden, Frank McGlynn and Rory Kavanagh to name a few.
It didn’t help that he yet again came up against a team who have such a raft of talent to choose form and who must be expected to challenge to retain their All-Ireland title come September.
After five back-to-back defeats, Gallagher and his backroom team have plenty to chew on before playing the winners of Fermanagh and Antrim in Ulster.
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