Match Report: Allianz Football League v Dublin
Allianz Football League Division One Rd 1
Cavan 0-11 Dublin 0-18
5th February 2017, Kingspan Breffni Park
Cavan hosted All Ireland and Allianz Football League champions Dublin in Mattie McGleenan’s first league game at the helm before a 16,331 crowd in Kingspan Breffni Park. The atmosphere was electric as supporters from both sides came out in their droves for this attractive fixture.
The Cavan lads were determined and led 0-3 to 0-2 after eight minutes of a frantic first half. Sean Johnston opening the scoring followed by John McCutcheon and a Johnston free, Kevin McManamon and Dean Rock (free) with the Dubs scores.
An outstanding effort by Sean Johnston again, from what seemed an impossible angle along the sideline sailed over the crossbar to put Cavan ahead 0-5 to 0-4 after 20 minutes.
Dublin then tapped over five without reply through Man of the Match Niall Scully (2), Ciaran Kilkenny, Jack McCaffrey and a Dean Rock free, the visitors showed why they are All Ireland champions, moving the ball at pace with outstanding support play.
The Cavan lads responded well and scores from Gerard Smith and a Niall McDermott free left three between them at the break, 0-10 to 0-7.
Gerard Smith kicked another fine effort on the restart but at this stage the visitors looked in control and went 0-16 to 0-10 ahead with 60 minutes played. Conor Madden with a point in between two from Sean Johnston kept Cavan in touch and to their credit battled superbly with the Dubs throughout.
In all, Cavan had seven league debutants with Fergal Reilly, Gerard Smith and Niall Clerkin getting their first starts and Stephen Murray, Shane O’Rourke, Conor Madden and Niall McKiernan being introduced.
Cavan travel to St. Mary’s Park, Castleblaney next Sunday to play our neighbours Monaghan in round 2 with a 2pm throw in.
Scorers for Cavan: Sean Johnston 0-5 (2f), Gerard Smith 0-2, Niall McDermott 0-2f, John McCutcheon 0-1, Conor Madden 0-1.
Scorers for Dublin: Dean Rock 0-7 (6f), Niall Scully 0-2, James McCarthy 0-2, Michael Darragh Macauley 0-1, Brian Fenton 0-1, Ciaran Kilkenny 0-1, Kevin McManamon 0-1, Jason Whelan 0-1, Jack McCaffrey, Cormac Costello 0-1f.
CAVAN: James Farrelly (Kingscourt), Fergal Reilly (Castlerahan), Padraig Faulkner (Kingscourt), Killian Brady (Mullahoran), Martin Reilly (Killygarry), Conor Moynagh (Drumgoon), John McCutcheon (Cootehill Celtic), Killian Clarke (Shercock), Rory Dunne (Redhills), Ciarán Brady (Arvagh), Dara McVeety (Crosserlough), Gerard Smith (Lavey), Niall Clerkin (Shercock), Niall McDermott (Ballinagh), Sean Johnston (Cavan Gaels).
Subs: Paul O’Connor (Cavan Gaels) for McDermott, Stephen Murray (Cavan Gaels) for McCutcheon (HT), Gearoid McKiernan (Swanlinbar) for Dunne (42 mins), Conor Madden (Gowna) for Moynagh (47), Niall McKiernan (Lacken) for Clerkin (61) and Shane O’Rourke (Laragh United) for Madden (65).
DUBLIN: Stephen Cluxton, Michael Fitzsimons, Philip McMahon, Jack McCaffrey, James McCarthy, John Small, Eric Lowndes, Brian Fenton, Michael Darragh Macauley, Ciaran Kilkenny, Kevin McManamon, Paul Mannion, Dean Rock, Niall Scully, Jason Whelan.
Subs: Cormac Costello for McManamon (42 mins), Colm Basquel for Whelan (46), Eoghan O’Gara for Mannion (55), Ciaran Reddin for Macauley (63), Conor McHugh for Rock (69).
REFEREE: Padraig O’Sullivan (Kerry).
