Dublin 1-15 Donegal 1-14
Dublin proved yet again while they are All-Ireland Champions as a 65 minute goal from Paul Mannion was key in beating Donegal at Croke Park on Saturday.
The Dubs were in fact 5 points behind in the opening and clawed back the win. This is the second week in a row Dessie Farrell’s side came back from a losing position, having been down 10 points at one stage against Monaghan. Donegal led by 1-05 to 0-02 after 20 minutes and were much better in the opening quarter. Ciaran Thompson opened the scoring, before Odhran McFadden powered through for an 8 minute goal to make it 1-01 to 0-00. Jamie Brennan and Michael Murphy then knocked over two points each. Dublin did improve before the break Sean Bugler and Ciaran Kilkenny coming to the fore. Brian Howard, Bugler, Rock and Kilkenny all pointing to leave it 1-06 to 0-07 at the break.
Dublin weren’t going to be denied in this game. However it was Donegal through Thompson and Mogan who doubled their lead to four points. Dean Rock, Cormac Costello and Howard all pointing in response. Man of the match Michael Murphy replied for Donegal. Mogan and Rock traded scores, before McBrearty making his first start of the year came on. Michael Murphy point from play meant a goal still separated the sides. Brian Fenton kicked over a brace of points, before Comerford was called into action to keep out a rasping shot from McBrearty. Colm Basquel had the sides level 0-14 to 1-11 after 60 minutes.
Goal for @DubGAAOfficial !! Paul Mannion causes hassle near the goal to get it over the line. pic.twitter.com/Fctck2odUS
— The GAA (@officialgaa) February 22, 2020
Mannion then netted on 65 minutes. A long delivery in from the Hoganstand side was no dealt with by goalkeeper Shaun Patton which allowed Mannion to palm the ball into the net. Murphy instantly replied with a free. Davy Byrne knocked a point over but McFadden and McBrearty left a single point in with five to go. John Small and Michael Murphy were both sent off on second yellow cards by Maurice Deegan. However, it was Dublin who get another win but it was another close game.
