Allianz National Football League Division One

Monaghan 1-15 Dublin 2-15                                                 2/4/17

Monaghan finished their Allianz Football League Division One just outside the top two on score difference after being edged by holders Dublin in a thrilling encounter in Clones on Sunday.

Five Jack McCarron points had Monaghan 0-7 to 0-6 up at half-time and they moved six clear ten minutes into the second half after the hosts’ in-form forward added the opening goal from a narrow angle on his way to a personal tally of 1-9. Dublin’s bench made a big impact on this game, as goals by substitutes Bernard Brogan and Jack McCaffrey turned it in their favour; the latter putting his side ahead for the first time on the 70-minute mark.

Monaghan could take positives from their performance, but Dublin timed their run perfectly to secure their place in next Sunday’s final against Kerry at Croke Park, where they will be chasing a fifth consecutive title. Next up for Monaghan is an Ulster SFC preliminary-round game against Fermanagh on May 20.

Monaghan: R Beggan; F Kelly (0-1), D Wylie, R Wylie; K O’Connell (0-1), V Corey, C Walshe (Capt.); D Hughes, K Hughes (0-2); G Doogan, S Carey, D Ward; O Duffy (0-1), J McCarron (1-9, 0-4f), C McManus (0-1f).

Subs: N McAdam for Walshe (inj., 18 mins), K Duffy for D Hughes (black card, 30), D Malone for O Duffy (53), T Kerr for Ward (inj., 58), C McCarthy for Doogan (67).

Dublin: S Cluxton (Capt.); M Fitzsimons, D Byrne, P McMahon (0-1); J McCarthy (0-2), E Lowndes, C Kilkenny (0-1); B Fenton (0-1), C Reddin (0-2); P Flynn, K McManamon, N Scully; D Rock (0-5f), P Andrews (0-2), C McHugh.

Subs: B Brogan (1-1) for McHugh (34), D Connolly for Scully (H-T), J McCaffrey (1-0) for Reddin (41), P Mannion for McManamon (46), C O’Sullivan for Connolly (black card, 50), MD MacAuley for Flynn (64).

Referee: J McQuillan (Cavan).