Atmosphere building at Croke Park ahead of this evening’s Allianz Football League Division 1 clash between Dublin and Derry. Dublin hurling fans were treated to an exhibition from their team earlier, as the Sky Blues claimed a 1-25 to 0-16 victory over Limerick in the first of the League quarter-finals.

Dublin forced into a change as Denis Bastick ruled out through injury. Michael Darragh Macauley coming into the team.

Eoin Bradley could feature for Derry this evening after scoring this stunner for Glenavon against Linfield earlier today:

And we’re underway at Croke Park

Low-key start at GAA HQ as both sides miss early chances.

Derry desperately in need of a result here and have started pretty well. But they’ve had a couple of poor early misses. Still scoreless.

Derry packing bodies behind the ball. This will be another test of Dublin’s ability, or inability as the case may be, to break down a blanket defence. Not looking good so far.

Dublin 0-1 Derry 0-1
That’s one way of doing it…Macauley fists over the bar after a precise build-up. Derry hit back with an equalising score from Mark Lynch.

Good save by Stephen Cluxton to keep out Benny Herron

Dublin 0-1 Derry 0-2
Benny Herron converts from the resultant 45

Dublin really struggling to get to grips with Derry here. Macauley runs into traffic and this is reminiscent of Dublin’s struggles against Tyrone recently. They need to find an answer to the blanket defence.

Couple of poor wides there from Dublin, with Bernard Brogan and Ciaran Kilkenny off target.

Time and time again Dublin are being turned over here, running into traffic and coughing up possession.

Boos from the Dublin fans as Derry play keep ball in the middle third of the field.

Emmet McGuckin and Rory O’Carroll clash off the ball. Both players are booked.

Dublin 0-1 Derry 0-3
James Kielt’s points a free for Derry.

Frustration there from Diarmuid Connolly as he looks inside, sees no options, and shoots wide from long range.

After half an hour of football, Dublin have scored just one point. Yes, you’ve read that right people.

Dublin 0-2 Derry 0-3
If you can’t go through them, go over them. Diarmuid Connolly with a brilliant point from 55 yards

Half-time: Dublin 0-2 Derry 0-3

That’s not a half that will live long in the memory. Derry with a one-point lead at half-time. Dublin’s attack blunted, yet again, by the blanket defence. Derry booed and jeered by home supporters when they travelled backwards in possession. It’s coffee for us this time…we need it!

Cormac Costello coming on for Kevin McManamon at half-time on the Dublin team

It might not be pretty, in fact it probably won’t, but it will be interesting to see how Dublin can deal with this Derry defence in the second half. If they can’t solve the puzzle, it doesn’t bode well for the summer.

More boos for Derry as they arrive back out for the second half.

Two Dublin shots into the arms of the Derry goalkeeper early in the second half.

HawkEye!

Dublin 0-3 Derry 0-3
And Cormac Costello’s point, which was waved wide originally, stands after consultation with HawkEye

Dublin subs – James McCarthy for Tomás Brady and Davy Byne for Eoin Culligan

Dublin 0-4 Derry 0-3
Dublin hit the front as Dean Rock bangs over a free. Hosts ahead for first time since the game’s opening score.

Rain absolutely lashing down at Croke Park, making conditions difficult for both teams.

We’re still here! Derry haven’t scored since the 15th minute and don’t look like doing so. Although they have a 45 here…

Derry need to find some attacking impetus here because if they lose this game, they’re relegated from Division 1

Dublin 0-4 Derry 0-4
Excellent point from Derry’s Enda Lynn. Level again.

Daniel McKinless pulls a good chance wide as Derry go in search of the lead score.

Cormac Costello has been good for Dublin since coming on at half-time. He wins a free and the Sky Blues have the chance to inch ahead again.

Dublin 0-5 Derry 0-4
Dean Rock pops over the free

Derry need to come out of their half now and push for an equaliser. Another Dublin score would surely wrap it up.

Dublin 0-6 Derry 0-4
Lovely point from Paddy Andrews after Mark Lynch missed a free at the other end. You could argue that this result would be a victory for football. But it’s been dire stuff.

Dublin 0-7 Derry 0-4
Diarmuid Connolly adds what could be the insurance point for Dublin

There will be just one minute of additional time. Derry’s Division 1 goose is almost cooked.

Dublin 0-8 Derry 0-4
Dean Rock seals Derry’s fate with an injury-time point

Full-time: Dublin 0-8 Derry 0-4

And that’s it from our coverage of this evening’s game. Dublin still on course for a semi-final place, as they chase a third successive League title. But it’s Division 2 football for Derry in 2016. Thanks for joining us.