Dubs dispatched by impressive Cork at Headquarters

The Dublin footballers suffered their first defeat of the league on Saturday evening, going down to Cork at Croke Park.

In what was an entertaining clash at headquarters, John Hayes’ first-half goal would prove decisive, as the Leesiders went home with the points.

The game started in a frantic fashion, with eleven points being scored before the ten-minute mark; Dublin leading by 0-7 to 0-4. Cormac Costello had started in fine form, kicking three points from play within the first six minutes.

John Hayes also scored three points of his own, keeping Cork in touch. His third, after twelve minutes, left only two between the sides, before a Stephen Cluxton free restored his side’s three-point advantage.

Daniel Goulding then kicked four unanswered frees as Cork began to get on top. James McCarthy pointed for Dublin on 23 minutes to tie up the game once more, before Stephen Cluxton pulled off a terrific save from Brian Hurley shortly after.

However, Cluxton would soon be beaten, as John Hayes goaled for Cork one minute later. It was a fine finish from Hayes, who had plenty of work to do, with a number of Dublin players surrounding him.

The sides exchanged points before Ken O’Halloran pulled off a quality save from Brian Cullen to preserve the Munster side’s three-point lead.

Another Cluxton free, along with further points from Ciaran Reddin and Paul Kerrigan, meant the sides went in at half-time separated by two points; Dublin 0-12 Cork 1-11.

The second half continued with the same high tempo, but with both defences much more disciplined.

Daniel Goulding continued to impress from frees, and Cork went four points clear after 43 minutes; 1-14 to 0-13.

Dublin pegged Cork back however, with four points on the bounce coming from Kevin McManamon, Ciaran Kilkenny, Cluxton and Paul Hudson.

Colm O’Neill was introduced in the second half, and put Cork back in front with his first chance. Dublin substitute Shane Carthy cancelled out that score with one of his own on 65 minutes, setting up a grandstand finish.

Substitute Donal Og Hognett put Cork back in front before Colm O’Neill settled the match with a well-taken score on 70 minutes.

Dublin will feel unlucky to come away from the game with nothing, having played well. They were well served by Cormac Costello and Kevin McManaman in attack, while goalkeeper Stephen Cluxton, and wing-back Johnny Cooper impressed defensively.

Dublin will be hoping to bounce back with a win next week as they take on Kildare at Croke Park in seven days’ time.

Teams and scorers:

CORK: K O’Halloran; C Dorman, E Cadogan, N Galvin; J Loughrey, A Cronin, T Clancy; A Walsh, F Goold(0-1); J O’Rourke, P Kerrigan(0-1), M Collins; D Goulding(0-7f), B Hurley(0-1), J Hayes(1-3). Subs: K Crowley for Dorman (27), D Og Hodnett (0-2) for Galvin (half-time), C O’Neill(0-2) for Hayes (52), R Deane for Walsh (55), A O’Sullivan for Goold (58), K O’Driscoll for Loughrey (inj)  (70).

DUBLIN: S Cluxton(0-3f); M Fitzsimons, P McMahon, S George; E Lowndes, C O’Sullivan, J Cooper; J McCarthy(0-1), M D MacAuley; D Byrne, C Reddin(0-2), B Cullen; K McManamon(0-3), C Costello(0-4, 1f), C Kilkenny(0-3,1f).Subs: Jack McCaffrey for George (26), Dara Nelson for Lowndes (half-time), Eoghan O’Gara for Byrne (46), Paul Hudson(0-1) for Costello (52), Shane Carthy(0-1) for Reddin (62).

Man of the Match: Paul Kerrigan (Cork)

Referee: Padraig Hughes (Armagh)