DUBLIN 0-14 ARMAGH 0-11
A five-star showing by Bernard Brogan steered Dublin successfully into round 4 of the All-Ireland SFC qualifiers as the Dubs showed good mettle to overcome Armagh in a battling performance at Croke Park on Saturday afternoon.
The St Oliver Plunkett’s/Eoghan Ruadh man showed once again that given the right supply of ball he has to accuracy to punish and defence and his nine point tally, five from play, went a long way to deciding this duel.
Neither county raised a green flag but Armagh went very close to doing so eight minutes from time but Philly McMahon saved Dublin with a goal line clearance as his side clung grimly to a two-point lead, 0-12 to 0-10.
Dublin had chances of their own with Niall Corkery twice breaching the Armagh cover but failing to find the finish on both occasions.
In a very defensive opening half Armagh stole into a 0-6 to 0-2 lead by the 27th minute and looked like they were beginning to get the measure of the Dubs defensive set up.
However, Pat Gilroy’s men closed out the half in impressive fashion with four unanswered points though Brogan (three, one free) and a Stephen Cluxton ‘45’.
The Dublin forward line were working over-time during this period as they successfully forced Armagh into coughing up possession on a number of occasion while Michael Darragh Macauley stole the ball back from the opposition on several occasions.
A three point surge from between the 45th and 50th minute gave Dublin momentum with Bernard Brogan, Kevin McManamon, and Philly McMahon all on target – the Ballymun Kickhams corner-back covering huge ground to apply the clincial touch to a good move.
But with ten minutes to go the Orchard County had reeled in Dublin to get back on level terms, 0-10 each. Bernard Brogan nosed Dublin ahead with a free following a foul on McManamon before McMahon made that goal line clearance at the other end to save Dublin’s blushes.
Fitness was a factor over the concluding passages of the game with the subs Dublin introduced playing their part in this victory as Paul Flynn and Eamon Fennell both kicked fine scores to see the Dubs advance to the last 12 in the race of the Sam Maguire.
