Smith on the double as Dubs overwhelm Underdogs

DUBLIN 5-17 UNDERDOGS 1-3

Two goals from Stephen Smith saw Dublin cruise to a comprehensive 26-point victory in Friday night's TG4 challenge in Parnell Park.

The Skerries Harps forward, a member of Dublin's U21 All-Ireland winning panel, finished with a tally of 2-4 as well as being involved in several other scores before being taken off with 20 minutes remaining.

Dublin's starting 15 contained five players who were members of this year's All-Ireland panel - goalkeeper Andy Bunyan, defenders Jonny Cooper, Michael Fitzsimons and Eoin Murchan as well as forward Conor McHugh.

Smith struck for his first goal in the 16th minute when he carved through the Underdogs defence before firing to the net with his left foot from 14 metres.

Seven minutes later the Harps man playing Cormac Diamond through on goal and the St Vincent's man palmed to the net from close range as Dublin moved 2-8 to 0-2 clear by the interval, both of the Underdog's scores coming from Nigel Rabitt frees.

Dublin, managed by Paul Clarke on the night, started the second half with intent when Smith's movement invited a well-weighted handpass from Ballinteer St John's Robbie Gaughan before sliding his finish clinically to the corner of the net.

Towering midfielder Darren Gavin, also a member of Dublin’s All-Ireland winning U21 team of 2017, got on the scoresheet in the 32^nd minute.

Dublin’s fourth goal arrived in the 40^th minute when Ballyboughal’s Gerry Seaver made it 4-12 to 0-3.

Points from Kevin Callaghan, Colin Doyle and Seán Caffrey, son of 1983 All-Ireland winner John, had the Dubs 4-16 to 0-3 in front before sub Richie Greene converted a penalty.

But there was still time for Conor Halpin to get Dublin's fifth goal in front of an attendance of close to 4000.