Goals prove decisive as Kerry overcome Dublin

Goals prove decisive as Kerry overcome DublinImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Paudie Clifford produced a man of the match display with five pointsByDavid MohanBBC Sport NI journalist at Croke ParkPublished2 minutes agoGoals proved decisive as Kerry's quest for back-to-back All-Ireland SFC titles remains on course with a 2-18 to 0-20 victory over Dublin in Sunday's semi-final.In scorching heat at Croke Park, Jack O'Connor's men did enough to get past a stern Dublin, who will reflect on a day where they were close to upsetting the odds, but 12 wides and two goal chances of their own passed up cost them.It was the first championship meeting between the old rivals since Dublin won the 2023 All- Ireland final and while Ger Brennan's men have enjoyed a relatively productive campaign with wins over Donegal and Galway, the Kingdom remained a step ahead.While David Clifford was held quiet for long spells, the Fossa man still ended up with 1-6 to his name as Kerry found a way to get him on the ball, but older brother Paudie pulled the strings with five points of his own.For Dublin, Con O'Callaghan was well contained, but Cormac Costello and Colm Basquel stepped up, but they needed more on the day as Kerry will now face Mayo in the final on Sunday, 26 July.Clifford strikes early but Dublin stay the courseImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Clifford hit the net in the third minute While Dublin got an early settler with a two-point free by Costello, Kerry's response was immediate as late replacement Sean O'Shea was adjudged to have been taken down inside the box by Peadar O Cofaigh-Byrne for a penalty.David Clifford stepped up and although his rather poor effort was saved by Evan Comerford, Clifford slammed home the rebound.And thus began the pattern for the opening half as one landed a blow and the other replied.It was evident both sides were wary of the threat in their way as the opening half was all about patient build-ups...