A goal in the closing moments of the goal for Brian Howard gave Dublin a dramatic 1-15 to 1-14 win against Donegal in a pulsating Allianz Football League Division 1 game at Croke Park on Saturday night.
Howard’s ball into the Donegal square deceived keeper Shaun Patton and ended up in the back of the net.
The goal was cruel on Declan Bonner’s side who had gone toe-to-toe with their opponents over the 77 minutes of a highly entertaining contest.
But Dublin’s knowhow, when it comes to winning tight games, proved decisive yet again.
Donegal led by 1-6 to 0-7 at half-time and an impressive first-half which saw Hugh McFadden score the Donegal goal.
Paddy McBrearty was introduced as a substitute midway through the second half. He had a good goal chance shortly after his introduction but his goalbound effort was well saved by Dublin keeper Evan Comerford. However, the Kilcar man would contribute a point later in the game.
In added time, Donegal’s Michael Murphy and Dublin’s John Small were both sent off by referee Maurice Deegan.
Doengal had a guilt-edged chance to win the game in the dying seconds but a misplaced pass by Daire O’Baoill denied Donegal their matchwinning chance.
Saturday’s results
Allianz Football League Division 1
Dublin 1-15 Donegal 1-14
Division 2
Fermanagh 1-11 Cavan 2-11
Division 3
Longford 1-14 Down 2-13
Tipperary 0-21 Cork 3-13 (22)
Division 4
Sligo 0-16 Waterford 2-12.
