Dublin 2-11
Offaly 1-9

Two Aaron Elliott goals in the last 19 minutes got Dublin out of jail in their opening Leinster MFC defence against Offaly at sunny Parnell Park.

With two giants of Irish sport - Shane Lowry and Niall Quinn - looking on, the visitors looked set to cause a huge upset when they led by two points early in the second half. But Paddy Christie's charges had regained parity at 0-7 apiece before midfielder Elliott grabbed his first goal in the 41st minute.

However, the Faithful fought back to level with eight minutes remaining before Elliott's second green flag finally ended their brave challenge.

Two points each from Dylan Hyland and Ciaran Maher, and another from Ryan Heavin, helped Offaly to a slender 0-5 to 0-4 interval lead. They extended their advantage on the restart before the hosts reeled off 1-4 without reply to ease into a 1-8 to 0-7 lead.

Offaly replied with a goal from Jordan Hayes and quickly added a point to leave it level pegging, 1-8, apiece.

But after sub John Kindlon had edged the Dubs back in front, Elliott netted again. Dillon Keating and Kevin Callaghan tagged on further scores as Dublin progressed to the quarter-finals with a massive sigh of relief.

All is not lost for Keith Begley's Offaly who, on this evidence, should qualify from the backdoor series.

Footnote: The funeral of former Dublin player and selector Dave Billings took place before today's game.

Dublin - E Comerford; D Byrne, P O'Hanlon, G McNamara; C Kavanagh, B Howard, O Kelly; D McIlgorm, A Elliott (2-0); K Callaghan (0-2), B McGarry, T Fox; S Caffrey, C Pearson (0-2, 1f), D Keating (0-4, 1f). Subs: S Howard (0-2) for B McGarry, B Shovlin for S Howard, J Kindlon (0-1) for S Caffrey, C Hulton for C Pearson.

Offaly - K Kinahan; PJ Daly, C Horan, R Hynes; D Dempsey, G Smyth, A Keyes; C Maher (0-2), C Mangan; D Hyland (0-2), K Higgins, R Heavin (0-1); S Tierney (0-2, 1f), S O'Brien, J Walsh. Subs: J Lowry (0-1) for D Hyland, J Hayes (1-1) for S O'Brien (BC), M Mooney for K Higgins, D Hyland for C Maher.

Referee - S Murphy.

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