NFL - Mayo 0-09 Dublin 0-09

Dublin’s hopes of avoiding relegation were dealt a late blow as Mayo kicked an equalising point to see the game finish 9 points each.  Mayo elected to play against the wind in the 1^st period during which Dublin kicked miss after miss, 11 in total, and ultimately cost them victory on the day.  Diarmuid Connolly impressed on the day and was to the forefront and after the 1^st quarter the Dubs were 5 points up.  Mayo rallied and by half time Dublin led 0-06 to 0-04 but facing into a 2^nd half gale.

Mayo dominated in the 2^nd 35 but their reliance on Alan Dillon meant they struggled to take full advantage.  St. Vincent’s Connolly again stood up and a point from play and a brilliant 45 later had the Dubs in contention.  When Conal Keaney fisted over late on after hard work from substitute Darren Daly it looked hopeful but Mayo sub Aidan O’Shea used his physique to get a late equalising score.

And so Dublin are level on points with Donegal & 1 point behind Tyrone & Mayo.  With Donegal up next against Westmeath it could be very tough for the Dubs now.  With 2 home games left it’s up to the crowd to help Giller’s men succeed.

Dublin:  Michael Savage (St. Vincent’s), David Henry (Raheny), Denis Bastick (Templeogue /SS), Alan Hubbard (Ballymun Kickhams), Bryan Cullen (Skerries Harps), Ger Brennan (St. Vincent’s) (Darren Daly (Fingal Ravens (50)), Barry Cahill (St. Brigid’s), Ciaran Whelan (Raheny), Ross McConnell (St. Oliver Plunkett’s /ER) (James O’Connor (Thomas Davis (65)), Diarmuid Connolly (St. Vincent’s) (0-05), Kevin Bonner (St. Brigid’s) (Shane Ryan (Naomh Mearnog) (60)), Declan Lally (St. Brigid’s) (Bernard Brogan (St. Oliver Plunkett’s /ER) (70) (0-02)), Blaine Kelly (St. Mary’s) (0-01) (Tomás Quinn (St. Vincent’s) (65)), Conal Keaney (Ballyboden St. Enda’s) (0-01), Bernard Brogan (St. Oliver Plunkett’s /ER) (Alan Brogan (St. Oliver Plunkett’s /ER) (45)).

Mayo:  D Clarke, L OMalley, G Cafferkey, C Barrett (K Conroy (20)), P Gardiner, T Cunniffe, A Moran, P Harte (0-01), R McGarrity, B Kelly (A Kilcoyne (40) (BJ Padden (65))), T Mortimer, M Ronaldson, C Mortimer, A OMalley (0-01) (A O’Shea (50) (0-01)), A Dillon (0-05).