Dublin 2-14

Roscommon 1-12

Dean Rock's 50th minute goal proved decisive as Dublin eventually wore down Roscommon at Dr Hyde Park to remain on course to retain their Allianz Football League crown.

Jim Gavin's men looked to be in a spot of bother when points from David Murray and Conor Cox gave the hosts a 1-11 to 1-9 lead early in the second half, but Rock's goal turned the tide as Dublin reeled off an unanswered 1-6 to move into second place in Division 1 above Galway and Mayo on score difference.

The All-Ireland champions led by 0-3 to 0-1 after six minutes thanks to points from Niall Scully, Colm Basquel and Paddy Andrews (mark), but the Rossies were level by the 12th minute through efforts from Donie Smith and Ciaran Lennon (mark).

Dublin then hit a purple patch which yielded 1-3 without reply. Con O'Callaghan scored the goal and also added a point, but Anthony Cunningham's men dug in and hit back with a 29th minute goal from Cathal Cregg. Conor Cox (free), Ronan Daly and Enda Smith tagged on points to leave the sides level on 1-9 apiece at the interval.

Roscommon started the second half brightly, but Rock's goal after a goalmouth scramble knocked the stuffing out of them.

The Ballymun Kickhams sharpshooter followed up with two more points from placed balls before efforts from Scully and Darren Gavin put the visitors out of sight.

Substitute Aengus Lyons ended a 31-minute scoring lull for the relegation-threatened home side who finished with 14 men after Conor Devaney received a second yellow card in the closing stages. 

Dublin - S Cluxton; J Cooper, D Byrne, A McGowan; J McCaffrey, C O’Sullivan, C O’Connor (0-1); B Fenton, D Gavin (0-1); N Scully (0-2), C O’Callaghan (1-1), C Basquel (0-1); P Andrews (0-3, 1f), D Rock (1-5, 0-4f, 0-1'45), C Costello. Subs: R McDaid for J McCaffrey, P Mannion for C Costello, B Howard for A McGowan, P Flynn for C Basquel, M D Macauley for B Fenton.

Roscommon - C Lavin (0-1'45); D Murray (0-1), C Daly, G Patterson; C Devaney, N Daly, R Daly (0-1); T O’Rourke, S Killoran; N Kilroy (0-1), D Smith (0-1), E Smith (0-1); C Lennon (0-1f), C Cox (0-4, 1f), C Cregg (1-0). Subs: S Mullooly for N Kilroy, C Compton for E Smith, A Lyons (0-1) for C Cregg, C Hussey for S Killoran, H Darcy for D Smith.

Referee - P O’Sullivan.

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