In advance of tonight's Allianz FL Division 1 clash in Castlebar, Jim Gavin was expecting a tough battle ... and he wasn't disappointed.

"We knew coming to Castlebar this evening that it was going to be a very demanding game," the Dublin manager told Setanta Sports following his side's 0-9 to 0-7 victory.

"Full credit to Mayo, they showed great heart there after their defeat last week down in Pairc Ui Rinn.

"They really put it up to Dublin today and I thought our boys did very well, competed for every ball and showed great spirit and great mental resolve throughout the game. I think on balance we were deserving winners."

Dublin lost the services of two players, Philly McMahon and Jonny Cooper, to black cards while John Small was issued with his marching orders late on along with Mayo's Colm Boyle.

"We got two players black cards, a player sent off, that's three players gone from your starting 15 and we're going to have to have a look at that.

"All we're looking for from referees is consistency and, I suppose, they're starting out on their journey as well this year. 

"But, overall, I thought our boys were very disciplined in very demanding conditions for both teams. Mayo and Dublin games are always competitive and we wouldn't expect anything else from both sides.

"We play a physical, contact sport and we want to keep that physicality in our games."

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