Meath win u-20 opener against Monaghan

Meath made a winning start in Group 2 of the Leo Murphy Under-20 Development League with a 1-15 to 0-10 victory over hosts Monaghan this evening.

The Monaghan side is managed by former Royal County boss Seamus McEneaney.

The hosts hit the opening score but Meath were never headed after Aaron Lynch got his side off the mark on four minutes.

Despite tallying nine wides in the opening half Meath enjoyed a 1-8 to 0-4 lead at the break.

The goal came from the penalty spot and was converted by Jordan Morris after Monaghan 'keeper Ryan Farrelly was penalised for a foot block on the Nobber man.

Monaghan made five changes at the start of the second half and posed a far bigger threat in attack

However, with Aaron Lynch accounting for three points in a four-minute spell at the beginning of the half it gave Meath a cushion that they never looked like relinquishing at any stage.

Next up for Meath is a home tie against Down.

SCORERS
Meath - Aaron Lynch 0-6 three frees, one '45, Jordan Morris 1-0 penalty, Cathal Finnegan 0-3, Matthew Costello 0-2 one free, Oisin Martyn 0-1, Connell Ahearne 0-1, Daragh Nolan 0-1, Conor Frayne 0-1.

Monaghan - Andrew Woods 0-3 two frees, Ryan Mohan 0-2, Aaron Mohan 0-2, David Hanley 0-1, Eddie Walsh 0-1, Robbie McAllister 0-1.

TEAM

Meath - Sean Brennan (Dunderry); Harry O'Higgins (Drumbaragh), Robbie Clarke (Skryne), Luke Kelly (Na Fianna); Oran Smullen (Na Fianna),
Eoin Harkin (Dunsany), Oisin Martyn (Dunderry); Cian Swaine (Clann nanGael), Cian McBride (St Ultan's); Connell Ahearne (Ratoath), Jordan
Morris (Nobber), Matthew Costello (Dunshaughlin); Aaron Lynch (Trim), Cathal Finnegan (Seneschalstown), Sarán Ó Fionnagáin (Wolfe Tones). Subs - Daragh Nolan (Dunboyne) for Costello 40 mins, James O'Hare (Rathkenny) for Smullen 45m, Conor Frayne (Summerhill) for Ó
Fionnagáin 54m, Shane Gibney (Moylagh) for Harkin 55m, Conor Farrelly (Walterstown) for Ahearne 56m, Ahearne for Morris 60m.