Jack McCaffrey returns as Dublin edge out Cork on Leeside

Dublin made it three wins from three in Division 2 of the Allianz Football League with victory over Cork following a pulsating clash at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Dessie Farrell's side proved more clinical in front of goal and saw off a spirited Cork who twice found the net via Eoghan McSweeney and Matty Taylor.

Six Dean Rock and four Con O’Callaghan points proved crucial, as did David O’Hanlon’s last-minute save, in a game both teams finished with 14 players.

Rock opened the scoring from a fifth-minute free but Cork responded instantly, with Brian Hurley brilliantly splitting the posts.

A close-range Rock free restored Dublin’s advantage as the visitors began to gain a foothold.

Cork’s patient approach was rewarded with a McSweeney leveller prior to Ciarán Kilkenny floating an effort inches wide of Míchéal Aodh Martin’s upright.

The hosts wasted a goal opportunity of their own when Chris Óg Jones’ effort was smothered by David O’Hanlon shortly after.

A Stephen Sherlock free pushed Cork ahead for the first time and an engaging opening quarter ended 0-03 to 0-03 following Rock’s third free.

Hurley and Con O’Callaghan exchanged scores but Cork’s increasing confidence was rewarded with a superbly crafted goal on 21 minutes. Knocknagree’s Eoghan McSweeney fired into the roof of the net at the conclusion of a fluid move.

Ross McGarry and the influential Hurley scored at either end to make it 1-5 to 0-05 late in the first half.

Then, Daire Newcombe and Cian Murphy scored to leave the Dubs trailing by a point.

Maurice Shanley had a goal correctly ruled out for a square infringement but Hurley’s subsequent mark restored Cork’s two-point advantage.

Moving up the gears, O'Callaghan, Rock and Cormac Costello found their range to deservedly edge Dublin