A dominant second-half Dublin performance proved too much for Cavan in Kingspan Breffni Park.
Cavan responded with a Paddy Lynch score; before points from Emmanuel Shehu and Gerard Smith gave the hosts a two point lead after five minutes.
Dublin replied with scores from Charlie McCorrow and Paddy Small drawing Dublin level with two points in the space of a minute.
The Dubs doubled their lead when Con O’Callaghan, Niall Scully and Cormac Costello were all on target. Leaving the Dubs three ahead after 16 minutes, 0-6 to 0-3.
Emmanuel Shehu and Gerard Smith both hit the mark for Cavan with a point each, before the crowd were treated to an exhibition of two point shooting.
Indeed, three consecutive two-point efforts left the side’s level on 23 minutes. Whereas, Cavan’s two came compliments of Conor Brady and Paddy Lynch before O’Callaghan raised the first orange flag of the contest for Dublin.
The remainder of the first-half evenly poised with the sides trading scores. Paddy Lynch and Tiarnan Madden gave Cavan a two point lead.
Indeed, O’Callaghan brought the sides level on 33 minutes, with a Lee Gannon point giving Dublin a half-time lead on the hooter. Dublin holding a one point advantage at the break, 0-13 to 0-12.
The first score of the second-half was five minutes in the making. Lee Gannon on target for the Dubs. Paddy Lynch opened Cavan’s account for the second-half after 43 minutes with a point from play.
Dubs power on in second-half
The newly introduced Ross McGarry; made his presence known, finding the target twice in 90 seconds. Dublin moved into a three point lead after on 49 minutes.
Whereas, the ever-present threat of Emmanuel Shehu was creating more headaches for the Dubs. Shehu registered a much needed score for Cavan, as the Dublin lead was reduced to two points.
That was as close as the hosts got with Dublin showing their class as Colm Basquell and Paddy Small kicked back to back scores.
Indeed, Liam Brady was forced into making a wonderful save in the Cavan goal, tipping the ball over the bar. Basquell found the target again, leaving Dublin five points to the good after 58 minutes.
Tiarnan Madden kicked Cavan’s last score on 62 minutes, with Dublin substitute Sean Guiden and the lively O’Callaghan keeping the visitors in the driving seat with points.
The game was put to bed when Dublin were awarded a penalty on 66 minutes. O’Callaghan finding the roof of Liam Brady’s net, for a 10 point lead.
O’Callaghan again who was on target on 69 minutes, getting the final score of the contest and eliminating Cavan in the process.
Dublin running out 11 point winners, 1-23 to 0-16
