Dubs' defeat cause for concern

Dublin manager Paul Caffrey will be a worried man tonight after his team’s nine-point defeat to Armagh in Crossmaglen today.
The Dubs are sitting pretty in Division 2 and certain to qualify for the play off against either Monaghan or Westmeath and Paul Caffrey did give a few players a run out today but most of what will be his championship line-up did eventually play some role in the game.
Dublin are a good side and on their day are capable of putting one over any side in the country.
Their problem I believe still is that they are not capable of beating the top sides consistently and they are still struggling to find a forward or forwards who can turn a game with one moment of class.
They are workmanlike, energetic and on occasion the Brogans are capable of a flash of brilliance but they too often flatter to deceive and are as likely in the next moment to do something reminiscent of a novice.
Midfield is also becoming another problem area for the Dubs.
Ciaran Whelan is past his sell by date, no longer capable of 70 minutes of championship action, while Shane Ryan has never been capable of 70 minutes football at the top level, which isn’t surprising given the effort he regularly puts in for 55 to 60 minutes football.
Despite making some headway so far this season Paul Caffrey will be concerned that his team were undone by what his side has lacked so much, goals from forwards of the calibre of Stephen McDonnell and Ronan Clarke.
The confidence built up from a good run in Division 2 in the league can easily evaporate after a defeat like today's and Caffrey will have a job on his hands rebuilding his side’s self belief.