Dublin/Longford: Dublin land nine-point win

Dublin 2-19 1-13 Longford

A much-improved second half display from Dublin led them to a comfortable nine-point victory over a battling Longford in their Bank of Ireland Leinster senior football championship quarter final at Croke Park.

The end of the opening 35 minutes saw the sides separated by a splendid Wayne McCarthy 12th minute goal after being put in the clear by a Jason Sherlock pass.

Longford, who were facing a baptism of fire, settled into the game after Dublin had kicked eight wides during the opening 18 minutes.

With Paraic Davis and Paul Barden kicking over five points between them, Longford trailed by the minimum at the break 1-7 to 0-9.

Dublin improved immensely in the second half with Ciaran Whelan taking over mid field.

A 46th minute goal from substitute Colm Moran put Dublin into a 2-9 to 0-10 lead and though Paraic Davis pulled a Longford goal back 10 mins from the end, it was Dublin who cruised to an impressive second half victory.