‘Second half was better but there was passages where it was sloppy’

Dublin manager Dessie Farrell highlighted his side's improved second half showing following Saturday night's All-Ireland SFC semi-final victory over Cavan at Croke Park.

The Dubs led 0-12 to 0-7 at half-time and gradually put distance between the sides before Robbie McDaid hit the only goal of the tie four minutes from the end of normal time.

"It was a nervy enough first half. We wouldn't be entirely happy with some of what went on.

"The second half was better but there was periods and passages of the game where it was sloppy as well," said Dessie.

"It was the type of a game where you were one long ball into the square, and then back of the net, away from a resurgence and Cavan being fired up. Because they were in touching distance for a long period. 

"But then at the end with the goal, we crept away after that. But I can assure you as a manager, it wasn't as comprehensive as it might have looked.

"I think to be fair, we were surprised it was Cavan (in the semi-final). I think that was the national consensus. But the more I looked at them, the more frightened I became, to be frank," added the Na Fianna clubman. 

"They're quite sophisticated in terms of their tactics, their rotation of players. They were always going to pose different types of questions than we've had to date. 

"And then the big factor was they brought a level of intensity that Donegal couldn't live with - a very fancied, exceptional Donegal team - and they made them look very, very average. 

"So, we paid them the utmost respect and we were very diligent in terms of our preparation in what they were going to bring today."