ULSTER SFC QUARTER-FINALS: Ballinderry 1-11 Dromore 0-12:MICHAEL McIVER broke the heart of his big brother with the crucial goal in a thrilling Ulster club quarter-final at Healy Park.
After just 32 seconds, McIver fisted home the only goal of the game against a gallant Dromore side managed by his brother, Paul.
Dromore hit back with points from Eoin McCusker and Niall Sludden but the Derry men responded with scores from Aaron Devlin and Conleith Gilligan.
Dromore midfielder Paddy Montague landed a couple of frees and added a superb long-range effort from play to give the St Dympna’s men the lead. But Enda Muldoon’s move to midfield worked for the Shamrocks.
The Derry star fired over a wonderful point from play and helped create points for Gilligan and Raymond Wilkinson which gave his side a 1-6 to 0-7 interval lead.
Gilligan’s accuracy helped Ballinderry stay in front though Eoin McCusker almost single-handedly led Dromore’s revival, firing over seven points. Both sides finished with 14 men, Ballidnerry’s Martin Harney got two yellows and Dromore substitute Adrian McCaffrey was sent off on a straight red card.
BALLINDERRY: M Conlon; D Bell, K McGuckin, C Wilkinson; M McIver (1-0), D Conway, R Scott (0-1); K McGuckin, M Harney; A Devlin (0-2), C Nevin, R Wilkinson (0-1); C Gilligan (0-6, 0-3 frees), E Muldoon (0-1), R Bell. Subs: C Devlin for Bell, M Bell for Nevin.
DROMORE: P Ward; F O'Neill, C McCarron, R McMenamin; C O'Hara, S O'Neill, K Donnelly; H McNulty, P Montague (0-4, 0-2 frees); R McNabb, E McCusker (0-7, 0-4 frees), N Sludden (0-1); S McDonnell, E O'Neill, C McCullagh. Subs: C O'Neill for Donnelly, F Quinn for F O'Neill, S McNabb for E O'Neill, A McCaffrey for Montague.
Referee: M Higgins (Fermanagh).
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