The weekend’s AIB Ulster Club Senior Football Championship Quarter-Finals delivered a mix of clinical victories and dramatic finishes, setting up an exciting semi-final line-up.
Newbridge will face Scotstown in a two weekend’s time at O’Neill’s Healy Park, while Kilcoo will take on Erne Gaels at the BOX-IT Athletic Grounds.
Madden 0-12 Newbridge 0-18
Derry champions Newbridge kept their campaign on track with a 0?18 to 0?12 win over Armagh’s Madden at the BOX-IT Athletic Grounds. The visitors’ pace and precision kept Madden on the back foot, with seven different players contributing to the opening-half scoreboard. Oisín?Doherty (0?5, four frees) and Conor?McAteer (0?4) led the charge for the Derry men, and while Madden’s efforts were spirited and Conor Grimley’s accuracy kept them in touch, ultimately it was never enough to close the gap.
Scotstown 2-16 Naomh Conaill 0-16
Monaghan champions Scotstown secured a six-point victory over Donegal’s Naomh Conaill, 2?16 to 0?16 on a bright afternoon in Clones. Two early goals from corner back Darragh?Murray and a dominant second-quarter spell set the tone. Youngster Max?Maguire 0?7 helped Scotstown maintain control despite late pressure from Naomh Conaill, who had Shea Malone and Eoghan McGettigan to the fore.
Loughmacrory 0-11 Kilcoo 0-16
Down kingpins Kilcoo proved too efficient for Tyrone winners Loughmacrory at a rain sodden O’Neill’s Healy Park on Saturday evening, winning 0?16 to 0?11. The Magpies controlled the game’s rhythm, absorbing early pressure before turning defence into attack with Paul Devlin (0-5) and Shealan Johnston (0-4) in particular helping to build a five-point margin that proved unassailable.
Kingscourt 1-16 Erne Gaels 3-15
Fermanagh’s Erne Gaels made history with their first provincial championship victory on Saturday evening, defeating Cavan’s Kingscourt Stars 3?15 to 1?16 after extra time in Kingspan Breffni. Three early goals from Odhrán Johnston, Ultan Kelm and Jack McCann gave the Belleek men a commanding lead, but Kingscourt fought back through Meath county star Jordan Morris and the exceptional Cian Shekleton, the former forcing extra time with late two-point free. In the added period though Erne Gaels regained control to seal a memorable win.
By Michael Devlin Mon 10th Nov
