BENCH GET FARNEY OVER LINE

The Boys in Blue stretched their unbeaten record against their fierce rivals Mayo to 13 games as they ran out comfortable winners in front of a bumper crowd of 15,313 in

Paul Mannion and Niall Scully ultimately made all the difference as Jim Gavin’s side went through the motions in the second half to keep a makeshift Mayo outfit at bay.

The Dublin boss also used the opportunity to roll out some of his big guns during the second half with Diarmuid Connolly making his first appearance of the season as a second half substitute.

Cian O’sullivan also slotted into the sweeper role seamlessly to frustrate Mayo’s comeback efforts in the closing stages.

Mannion’s goal inside the opening two minutes helped Dublin to dictate the pace and tempo of an entertaining first half.

And with man of the match Dean Rock on form from frees as usual, the visitors deservedly led at the break by 1-9 to 0-7.

Rock landed four frees, and chipped in with a point from play, with with Ciaran Kilkenny (2), Brian Fenton and goalscorer Mannion also on target.

Mayo boss Stephen Rochford was forced to line out without four first-choice defenders, as well as regular midfielders Tom Parsons and Seamie O’shea, plus suspended skipper Cillian O’connor.

And it showed at times as their patched-up team struggled to break down Dublin’s disciplined and well-organised defence.

2016 Footballer of the Year Lee Keegan, who lined out in defence after three months on the sidelines, was among Mayo’s first half scorers with Jason Doherty (two frees), Kevin Mcloughlin (2), Andy Moran and Stephen Coen also on the scoresheet.

Dublin kept the homeside at arm’s length during an uneventful second half with Niall Scully’s fisted goal 11 minutes after the restart killing the game as a contest.

Dublin captain Stephen Cluxton also marked his 100th League appearance for the Boys in Blue with another clean sheet as Mayo failed to hit the net for the third time in four games.

Stephen Rochford’s side also missed a string of frees in the second half with Jason Doherty, Andy Moran and Rob Hennelly all off target.

Mayo also went more than 20 minutes without a score at one stage before substitute Conor Loftus tacked on three late frees to gloss the final scoreline.

The game was in injurytime when Dublin were reduced to 14 men after Michael Fitzsimons was dismissed after a second booking.

Dublin will be back on home ground next Saturday night when they welcome Kerry to Croke Park in a repeat of last year’s League Final.

Mayo, meanwhile, face the prospect of a trip to Newbridge to take on Kildare in a must-win match next Sunday.

The Westerners have now lost two games at home in this League campaign, with Ulster champions Tyrone also coming to Castlebar next month.