Dunderry before the start at Dunshaughlin.

Coogan's penalty proves crucial for Dunderry

Stephen Coogan converted a first-half penalty that proved vital in helping Dunderry edge out Duleek/Bellewstown in the IFC preliminary quarter-final at Dunshaughlin this evening. 

The penalty was awarded after eight minutes when Luke Martyn was upended in the square. Coogan stepped forward and confidently directed the ball to the net and put his side 1-1 to 0-3 in front. 

As it turned out that goal was to prove to be the difference between the sides with Duleek/Bellewstown failing to turn a number of good goal-scoring opportunities into goals and consequently they paid the price. 

Coogan proved to be pivotal figure for Dunderry as he ended up with 1-8 with Paddy Kennelly capping a fine display with three points while Morgan Callaghan, Dermot Kelly and Oisin Martin  also contributed scores. 

Dunderry led 1-6 to 0-8 at the break and with Duleek/Bellewstown lacking the kind of razor-sharp cutting edge they needed they ended up losing their way - and the match. 

John Flood ended up as Duleek/Bellewstown's top marksman with five points, three frees. Stephen Nolan and Jamie Flaherty were among those to have goal-scoring chances for Duleek/Bellewstown but Dunderry netminder David Jennings remained unbeaten. As a consequence Dunderry push on while Duleek/Bellewstown are out. 

See detailed match report in next issue of the Meath Chronicle.