St Paul’s 1-19 Forkhill 0-20
St Paul’s edged out Forkhill by just two-points to make their way through to the Intermediate Championship semi-finals. Both sides had periods on top and were evenly matched throughout the contest.
A first half goal from Declan Magee was ultimately the crucial score between the sides. County stars Andrew Murnin and Jemar Hall also displayed their scoring potential at either end of the field.
Hall and Murnin opened the scoring by raising white flags from dead ball efforts. St Paul’s, with the breeze at their backs, played a direct style of football with Niall McCorry operating at full forward.
He tapped over a free while two more from Murnin were split by a two-point score from Antoin McParland. Hall got Forkhill’s end of the scoreboard ticking again while Murnin and Conall McGeough traded scores.
Two from Eoghan Roe O’Neill brought Forkhill back to within touching distance before St Paul’s shot further in front. Niall McParland’s effort dropped shot but McCorry knocked the ball in the direction of Magee, who punched home the game’s only goal.
The Lurgan men followed that up with a two-pointer from Murnin and another point from McCorry. Forkhill finished with final two points of the half with Hall and McGeough splitting the posts, leaving six the difference at the break, 1-10 to 0-7.
The sides were back on level terms as Forkhill struck six-points in the first six minutes of the second half. Stephen Sheridan (2), Hall (two-pointer), Cormac Toner and O’Neill all split the posts for their side.
McParland got St Paul’s back in front before Ryan Lawless and Murnin extend their advantage. McParland grabbed another while Lawless hit two on the bounce before an outstanding two-pointer from Murnin.
Hall nabbed a free before firing over a two-pointer of his own while Odhran Campbell also pointed after coming in from the bench. McGeough and McParland then traded scores late in the game.
Hall grabbed another two-pointer from a free which left two the difference in added time. Forkhill battled hard and had opportunities but they could find the score that would keep their season alive.