Five points from Mark Vaughan helped Dublin begin life in Allianz NFL Division Two on a winning note as they got the better of Leinster rivals Westmeath at Parnell Park.
After conceding an early 1-02, including a terrific 14th minute goal from late replacement Paul Flynn, a battling Westmeath side broke into the lead at Parnell Park.
Dessie Dolan (1-02) smashed home a fine goal and Martin Flanagan added his name to the scoresheet before a Vaughan free drew the sides level at half-time (1-03 apiece).
In a lifeless second half, Vaughan's place-kicking skills helped the Dubs edge ahead and Dolan's injury-time point was nothing more than a consolation score.
It took a strong second half display from Paul Caffrey's hosts to end Westmeath's fight, but a big win had looked on the cards when Dublin shot 1-02 clear with 14 minutes' of the start.
Vaughan (free) and Conal Keaney both raised white flags in the opening six minutes.
The sides each enjoyed their periods of dominance in the opening quarter, with Dublin centre-back Paul Casey putting in some excellent attacking bursts.
The Lucan Sarsfields clubman also helped start the move which finished with the first goal of the contest.
Casey scooped up the ball after a Westmeath attack had broken up.
The ball was moved through the hands of Eamon Fennell, Collie Moran and John O'Brien before Flynn, who came into the starting line-up after Bernard Brogan failed a late fitness test, blasted to the back of Gary Connaughton's net.
Incredibly, Dublin did not score again until first half injury-time as Westmeath took over for a short period.
Dolan sent over the first score for the visitors from a free in the 19th minute, with Flanagan cutting the deficit to a goal three minutes later.
Westmeath were suddenly finding some joy at midfield and launched attack after attack.
Some excellent play by David Duffy helped launch a crucial move which resulted in a goal for the visitors in the 25th minute.
Duffy's quick pass sent Fergal Wilson into space and the wing forward sped forward before laying off for Dolan to smack a lovely shot pass Stephen Cluxton from close range.
Westmeath quickly took the lead for the first time, with a second point from Flanagan as half-time approached.
Dublin were eager to find an equaliser before the interval and following a foul on Bryan Cullen, Vaughan bisected the posts for his second point of the night.
Westmeath regained the initiative on the restart with Alan Mangan sending over a free after five minutes, but Dublin owned the majority of possession in the third quarter and two Vaughan pointed frees saw Caffrey's men take the lead again.
Further points from Vaughan saw the Dubs go 1-07 to 1-04 in front and the home side held on with their defence keeping them on top.
