Young Royals scrape through to Leinster semi-final

There was plenty of drama in Pearse Park today as Meath scrambled into the semi-finals of the Leinster u-20 FC with a late 1-11 to 0-13 victory over Longford.

St Ultan's Daragh O'Reilly proved to be the match winner as his late point gave Meath the edge in a game that concluded in a crescendo.

With the tie in the melting pot Longford were awarded a penalty following Adam McDonnell's black card foul.

However the hosts leading markman Jack Duggan struck the post with the spot kick. Keelin McGann did manage to edge Longford in front, but Pearse Sheridan restored parity before another sub O'Reilly fisted over what proved to be the winner deep into injury-time.

Longford started well and held Meath scoreless in the opening 20 minutes as they opened up a three-point lead. Ruairi Kinsella opened the Royals' account with a goal, but Longford retook control with Jack Macken and the excellent Duggan on target.

Jamie Browne, Niall Finnerty and Kinsella kept Meath in touch before late scores from Finnerty and Eoghan Frayne gifted the visitors a 1-9 to 0-9 interval lead.

Longford dominated the third quarter with Duggan dragging them level. However, with five minutes remaining he missed a penalty and despite edging ahead it was Sheridan and O'reilly who had the last word to send Meath through to a Leinster semi-final in Parnell Park next Thursday.

SCORERS

Meath - Ruairi Kinsella 1-1, Niall Finnerty 0-3, Daragh O’Reilly 0-2, Jamie Browne, Eoghan Frayne, Diarmaid Moriarty, Mark Coffey and Pearse Sheridan 0-1 each.

Longford - Jack Duggan 0-9, Jack Macken 0-2, Matt Duffy and Keelin McGann 0-1 each.

FULL MATCH REPORT AND REACTION FROM MANAGER JOHN McCARTHY IN NEXT TUESDAY'S MEATH CHRONICLE.