Dublin emerge from morass

Grim and unlovely as it was, yesterday's Bank of Ireland Leinster semi-final victory will be much prized in Dublin. There's plenty of scope for Offaly to agonise over the result which they had ample opportunity to turn around. But Dublin found enough of a response in the dying minutes to encourage their long-suffering management and enhance morale for next month's final against either Meath or Kildare.

It nearly came to nothing, though, as Dublin almost emulated their hurlers by conceding a crucial goal in the fifth minute of four minutes' injury-time. The match was running 50 seconds over the announced four minutes' stoppage time when the ball skidded through the goalmouth in Offaly's frantic last attack.

Ciaran McManus took possession but swung wildly. McManus has a kick like a mule and could have torn the net and caused structural damage in the Canal End had he connected properly. Instead he ballooned it wide.

This was Dublin's first win over serious opposition in six years and it didn't come easily. Ciaran Whelan, the team's energetic centrefielder, was concussed at an early stage and struggled to make an impact thereafter. There were, however, some fine performances. Principally Ian Robertson, back after months of rehabilitation - the latest break forced on him by chronic injury problems - and who was confirmed only before the throw-in.

He scored 1-1, threatened constantly and to the wonder of all, still had enough in the tank to switch out the field for the endgame and maintain his high standards in a deep position. Corner-back Coman Goggins must have made Offaly regret pulling a full forward out to the middle as he thrived in the open play when dutifully following his man.

Despite these displays and other more intermittent contributions, from Des Farrell, Jason Sherlock and Darren Homan, it was Offaly who played the biggest role in their own downfall. Twice they had the match in their sights but on each occasion they let the initiative slip.

They can argue their misfortune. Just before half-time, Colm Quinn, their accomplished wing forward who had started well, had to be replaced after injuring a hamstring.

It had all started in depressingly sterile circumstances. Until the 14th minute, neither side scored. Sean Grennan had switched out to Offaly's centrefield in a swap with Alan McNamee and was imposing his physical presence. The team's defence was covering well, with Finbar Cullen snappish on the break and Karl Slattery making good use of his hot pace.

Ciaran McManus should be disappointed with his overall display. He was as mobile and ceaseless as ever but his kicking and shot selection weren't high on the graph. He delivered with a 45 in the final minutes to cut Dublin's lead but hadn't demonstrated his best form off the placed ball.

He had a glimpse of a goal chance in the 19th minute after a great ball from Mel Keeneghan sent him through, but the defence was well placed to shut him down at the expense of a 45 which was sent wide.

Dublin didn't score until the second quarter and it was team captain Farrell who led the initial charge. He was then fouled for a free, pointed by Wayne McCarthy, after bumping his way through a crowded defence. Three minutes later he finished a move started by Goggins's surging run and levelled the match at 0-4 each after another robust tour of three defenders.

By the interval, with Dublin leading 06 to 0-5, Offaly could already feel a little ill-used by fate. Quinn had left the scene and they had twice hit the woodwork. By compensation, substitute Roy Malone made an early impact and fisted an injurytime point. Vinny Claffey was also seeing plenty of possession ahead of Martin Cahill but with little to show from it.

Dublin still led by one, 0-8 to 0-7, when the only goal of the match was scored in the 41st minute. A harmless looking ball from Senan Connell was dropping short and wide when Robertson managed to get a backwards flick on it over the defence and goalkeeper.

As the ball bounced towards the empty net, the umpires went for the flag and although Slattery appeared like a fire brigade to knock the ball away, the goal was awarded.

Instead of driving Dublin on, it inspired Offaly and within 13 minutes the scores were level again. Unanswered points by Claffey from a free, two from McNamee and Gary Comerford levelled the match.

Arguably the turning point was the 57th minute. With the teams all square, Offaly wasted two certain points. First a quick free from the impressive Malone came to nothing when a straightforward dead-ball attempt would probably have established the lead. Secondly, McManus came onto the end of a good move set up by Slattery and Cullen. With a point for the taking, he went for broke and his fierce shot came off the post. Within seconds, Robertson had restored Dublin's lead.

A late appearance by Vinny Murphy started so belligerently that referee Pat McEnaney had to talk to him; but the veteran paid his way with two points. Sherlock added another after Barry Mooney was dispossessed by McCarthy in front of his own goal and Dublin showed (just) enough defensive composure to see out the match.