Dublin finally wear down Roscommon in subdued Croke Park

There was a hint of going through the motions about it, but Dublin won't be overly concerned as they got their All-Ireland title defence off to a winning start.

Croke Park lacked atmosphere with an estimated crowd of less than 15,000 and an at times humdrum encounter reflected this but Dublin finished strongly to win with plenty to spare.

Goals in the 66th and 70th minutes from substitute Colm Basquel and Con O'Callaghan, who finished with 1-04, eased the freshly crowned Leinster champions to a slightly flattering 12-point winning margin.

Dublin had 11 different scorers in total, including defender Cian Murphy who impressed before being replaced with an injury picked up during a typically wholehearted block.

With plenty still apparently in the tank, it was a positive first group outing for Dublin who will return to duty against Cavan at Kingspan Breffni next weekend.

Roscommon, who memorably drew with Dublin at this same stage last year, kept pace with Dublin for most of the contest but were burned off in the closing minutes, conceding 2-04 without response.

Roscommon will host Mayo at Dr Hyde Park in Round 2 next Saturday and a win is now a must after this disappointment.

Dublin changed a fifth of their team from the Leinster final lineout with Sean MacMahon and Brian Howard recalled in defence while Ross McGarry returned in the half-forward line.

Sean Bugler was named to start at left half-back but Howard replaced him while MacMahon essentially replaced captain James McCarthy who started against Louth but wasn't among the 26 here.

It looked, initially at least, like Dublin had got their setup just about spot on as they raced three points clear by the fifth minute.

The influential Brian Fenton, McGarry and Paul Mannion clipped