Clinical Dublin have plenty in reserve

O'Byrne Cup (SF) Semi-final/Dublin 1-15 Carlow 1-7:Hardly a case of déjà vu for there was very little similarity between last Wednesday's 90 minute-plus drawn game at Parnell Park and this O'Byrne Cup semi-final replay at Carlow yesterday.

Dublin started without the Brogan brothers, Bernard, Alan and Paul, along with Ross O'Connell and Jason Sherlock.

All five figured in their club, Oliver Plunkett's, memorable first victory over St Vincent's in the Dublin SFL Division One final on Friday night.

The introduction of newcomers sprung from the bench during the course of a match dominated by 14-man Dublin provided Paul Caffrey and his backroom team with an enlightening exercise. Denis Bastick, drafted in to partner Emmet Fennell in midfield, got his marching orders in the third quarter.

By that stage Longford referee John Bannon had showed seven yellow cards to Carlow players while Bastick's red was the first for Dublin. Dublin were quick into their stride and established a seven-point lead before centre back John Murphy scored Carlow's first point after 29 minutes.

Carlow were struggling in a game played in front of an estimated 4,500 spectators, but they managed to get the deficit down to five points, 0-8 to 0-3, by the interval.

Early second-half points by the impressive Murphy and Eoin McCormack (free) gave the home team hope for the second half.

But Dublin were not to be denied. John O'Brien proved a tremendous success with his accuracy both from play and placed balls. In all, he notched a total of eight points.

Carlow failed to take advantage of the extra man and, following Bastick's dismissal, Dublin's answer was emphatic - O'Brien and Barry Kennedy (twice) registering points.

Carlow's corner back Evan Doyle got far enough forward to take a pot shot at Stephen Cluxton's goal, but his fine effort struck a post and was cleared.

Dublin's half back line of Philip McMahon, Paul Casey and Derek Murray linked up cleverly with half forwards such as Pat Burke and Donal Ryan. McMahon embellished a fine display by adding a late goal for the visitors.

John Murphy, the Carlow centre back, was every bit as effective and also contributed a late consolation goal.

Carlow manager Paul Bealin was not that disappointed.

"When put it into context Dublin had a very good team out there today. We don't have the same strength in depth," said Bealin. "It is a learning curve for our guys ahead of the National League match against Clare."

Dublin will now meet Longford in the decider next weekend.

DUBLIN: S Cluxton;, D Henry, N O'Shea, S O'Shaughnessy; P McMahon (1-0), P Casey, D Murray (0-1); D Bastick, E Fennell; P Flynn, P Burke, D Ryan, J O'Brien (0-8, four frees), K Bonner (0-1), B Kennedy (0-2). Subs: B McManamin for D Ryan; D Lally (0-1) for D Murray; C Keaney (0-2) for Bonner; G Cullen for Burke.

CARLOW: J Brennan; E Doyle, J Hayden, P Bambrick; A Curran, J Murphy (1-1), J Ryan; D Byrne, P Walsh; R Sinnott, R Walker (0-2), B Carbury; C Pender, K Doyle (0-1), E McCormack (0-3, three frees). Subs: B Farrell for E Doyle; JJ Smith for Carbury.

Referee: J Bannon (Longford).