"ALL the newspaper boys want to talk to you now that there is a few points in the bag, Micky". Paul Curran was expressing his delight at seeing his manager Micky Whelan enjoying an after match interview, for a change.

The three point win over Monaghan in the National Football League Division Two had been hard earned at a dank Clones and a relieved Whelan wished to congratulate his players "for finishing strong".

Monaghan's defiant second half performance against the breeze after trailing by five points a minute into the second hall, brought them to within a point of hassled opponents with eight minutes remaining.

A surprise was likely at this stage. A player from each side, Ciaran Whelan (Dublin) and Peter Duffy (Monaghan), had been sent off in separate second half incidents and the grim battle was truly joined in raw conditions.

"Had we played as good as that in our earlier matches we would be in the hunt now for promotion and not having to face relegation" said Monaghan assistant manager and selector Eamonn McEneaney.

The Dublin defence had to perform heroically as determined and adventurous Monaghan stars like Mark Daly, Pauric McShane, Frank McEneaney, Aidan Tavey and Declan Smyth launched consistent attacks.

Dublin defenders and especially the half back line of Paul Curran, Keith Barr and Eamonn Heery had to react promptly and work relentlessly to snuff out the dangers.

Monaghan gambled by playing the close passing game. It was attractive to watch and spelt danger, up to a point, for Dublin's defence. But, alas, over elaboration by the home side contributed to their downfall.

Meath referee Seamus McCormack booked five players (three from Dublin and two from Monaghan) in a competitive match that sometimes threatened to get out of hand. Whelan, the Dublin right half forward had been booked in the first half and was sent off 14 minutes into the second with Darren Swift lying on the ground. Two minutes later Monaghan left half forward Peter Duffy was given his marching orders as Eamonn Heery lay motionless on the ground.

"Playing against the wind suits Monaghan's short passing game and I was not surprised to see them come at us in the second half the way they did. What I am most pleased about is the fact that we finished stronger and we could have had a couple of more goals," said Whelan.

Dublin's work rate was commendable but they created little in the second half. Brian Stynes and Darren Homan, who was indirectly replaced by Peter, Ward in the second hall, had enjoyed more play in the first half.

Monaghan's midfield improvement caused Dublin concern. The home team's challenge in the area was most effective when substitute Pauric McShane, was joined by Mark Daly and corner forward Aidan Tavcy.

Dublin's ability to make more links between defence and attack was a notable feature.

Jason Sherlock, perhaps not suited to the conditions, was quiet enough on his return to the fold but had an inspiring point to stretch Dublin's lead to two at a crucial stage towards the end. Mick Deegan, a second half replacement for Ciaran Walsh, got loose down the right to make a three point cushion.

The basis for Dublin's win was laid in the second quarter with goals from Martin Doran, following a pass by Darren Homan in the 17th minute and Brian Stynes nine minutes later.

This gave Dublin a 2-2 to 0-1 lead against the wind.

Monaghan, undaunted, persisted courageously despite these set backs and were rewarded when Declan McKiernan scrambled a goal a minute from half time.

Referee McCormack was consistent in penalising dissent. Charlie Redmond benefitted in the opening minute of the second half to point his third free to stretch Dublin's lead to five points.

Doran was unlucky when denied by a timely advance and a great foot save by Monaghan goalkeeper Glen Murphy shortly afterwards.