Tullamore recovery falters

Mattock Rangers ... 2-11 Tullamore ... 1-7 Mattock Rangers survived a terrific second-half rally from Tullamore yesterday to earn a place in the Leinster club championship semi-finals against Moorefield on November 24th at Páirc Tailteann, Navan.

The Louth side led 1-8 to 0-1 at half-time in Ardee following a terrific first-half display, but were only three points ahead, 1-8 to 1-5, 11 minutes into the second half.

But Mattock's jangling nerves were calmed when Shane Grimes smashed the ball to the net for his side's second goal on 46 minutes.

The goal took the wind out of Tullamore's sails and Mattock played out the remaining quarter with some style, picking off three further points, from David Reid twice and Alan Finnegan.

A enjoyable spectacle for the large crowd, Mattock took some excellent scores in the opening half. Niall Callan netted their first goal after only four minutes when he took advantage of some hesitant play in the visitors' defence.

Callan scored the game's opening point two minutes later and further scores from Robbie Brennan (three), Christy Grimes (two), and Alan Finnegan and Frankie Feeley completed a satisfactory opening period for the Collon side.

Tullamore, in contrast, only managed one point, that from a Paul Rouse free.

Upon the restart, however, Tullamore took over and a point each from Rouse and substitute Gareth Lee narrowed the deficit before PJ Martin bundled the ball to the net.

Another substitute Peter Kelly and Rouse further reduced Mattock's lead, but Grimes's goal put an end to Tullamore's rally and the Louth men were comfortable winners by the final whistle.

MATTOCK RANGERS: M Englishby; E Roche, R Sherlock, I Sherlock; D Brennan, D Geraghty, F Feeley (0-1); G Hanratty, C Grimes (0-2, 2 frees); N Callan (1-1), M Brennan, A Finnegan (0-2); R Brennan (0-3), P Duff, S Grimes (1-0). Sub: D Reid (0-2) for P Duff (42).

TULLAMORE: K Furlong; G. Heffernan, J Kenny, N Mannion; PJ Martin (1-0), C Daly, T Cusack; J Hughes, J Barry; A Hogan (0-1), J Rouse, M Hoey. P Rouse (0-3, 1 free), B O'Reilly, B Fagan. Subs: K Martin for M Hoey, G Lee (0-1) for J Rouse (both half-time); P Kelly (0-2) for B O'Reilly (36); N Stack for J Berry (48).

Referee: P Fox (Westmeath).