Belleek 2-10 Forkhill 0-12
Belleek saw off Forkhill on Saturday to earn their first ever win at Intermediate level, with the two goals the difference.
Full forward Mark McParland claimed the first three pointer to put his side ahead just before the half time whistle.
It came as a sucker punch for Forkhill, who controlled the game for large spells of the opening period of this replay.
Belleek’s star man Sean McCreesh traded scores with Forkhill to leave it 0-4 each after 22 minutes. Jemar Hall, Barry Shannon (2) and Stephen Sheridan replying for Forkhill.
Hall grabbed his second to put his side in front before the influential Oisin Flynn doubled their advantage.
Against the run of play, McParland’s fine catch and low effort to the net put Belleek one up at half time. 1-4 to 0-6.
Straight from the throw in, Forkhill levelled through Oran Campbell but a McCreesh free edged Belleek ahead again.
Two scores from Jemar Hall put Forkhill back ahead, but James McParland (free) tied the game once more.
The sides were fairly even for the remainder of the game before Belleek made a vital burst for home.
A long ball to the edge of the square bounced off Forkhill goalkeeper Aidan Canning spilled to the waiting Drew McVerry.
McVerry was on hand to slot home from close range and while there was still time remaining, it put some daylight between the teams for the first time.
McCreesh, who finished with 0-8, put the icing on the cake with the final score to confirm Belleek’s victory.
They’ll now face Tullysaran in the Intermediate Quarter final, with one team advancing to the last four.
