Meath advance in Leinster JFC
Meath had to rely on a goal from substitute Cathal McConnell (Bective) to see off Kildare's strong challenge by 2-18 to 1-19 in a lively Leinster JFC opener at Pairc Tailteann tonight.
McConnell replaced the injured Ben Brennan in the opening half and had the simple task of slapping the ball to an unguarded net after he was set up by Jason Scully, six minutes from the finish.
Meath led by seven points at one stage in the second half but with Padraig Fogarty in outstanding form Kildare fought back to level terms, 1-18 each on 52 minutes.
Kildare’s only reply after that goal was a point from Eoghan Lawless.
Boosted by a Scully goal on five minutes Meath led by 1-12 to 0-9 at half-time. Meath started brightly with points from Kevin Ross and Paddy Kennelly before Jason Scully netted after being set up by Daire Rowe on five minutes.
Scully almost snatched a second goal 30 seconds later but was denied by the crossbar.
Ben Brennan until he was forced off with an injury, and Daire Rowe both hit three points as the entire Meath attack contributed to their first half scoring.
Kildare relied heavily on former senior star Padraig Fogarty for scores throughout the opening half and the full forward contributed five points. Neil Scanlon who accounted for two points in the half went close to finding the net on 26 minutes but was denied by a fine save from Meath keeper Johnny Lynch.
The lead was down to two points midway through the third quarter but with Kevin Ross (two), Stephen Coogan, Niall Jones and Scully on target the home side stretched their advantage again entering the final quarter.
Fogarty’s goal on 51 minutes helped drag Kildare back into contention but despite contributing a personal tally of 1-12 it was Meath who advanced to a date with Wexford.
Meath - J Lynch; J Reilly, L Moran, M Flood; D Toner, D Smyth, S Reilly; A Flanagan, C Farrell; P Kennelly (0-2), B Brennan (0-3), S Coogan (0-2); J Scully (1-1), D Rowe (0-3), K Ross (0-5).
Subs - C McConnell (1-0) for Brennan 21 mins, N Shortall for Rowe half-time, N Jones (0-1) for Flanagan 42m, P Lynch for Coogan 49m, C O’Rourke for S Reilly (0-1) 54m, J McDonald for Scully 59m.
Kildare – D Campbell; N Devane, T Barron, C O’Shea; M Stewart-Byrne, G Waters, J Setright; D Fitzpatrick, J Jennings; D Malone (0-1), M Nolan, E Lawless (0-1); B Noone (0-2), P Fogarty (1-12), N Scanlon (0-3).
Subs - J Merrins for Barron, S Maughan for Jennings both half-time, C Byrne for Fitzpatrick, C Germaine for Scanlon both 49 mins, S Lawler for Nolan 60m.