Quinn directs St Vincent's

Dublin SFC Semi-finals/ St Vincent's 2-11 Kilmacud Crokes 2-9: With a fine defensive performance, St Vincent's outfoxed before outplaying the favourites to return to the county final where they will set about atoning for last season's defeat to UCD.

It started like a chess match but ended as a fairly comfortable victory, not reflected on the scoreboard as Kilmacud Crokes slipped in for injury-time goals from Niall Behan and Liam Óg Ó hEineacháin. St Vincent's had already clocked out.

It was an admirable but fruitless pursuit as the game had been put to bed by a late flourish of St Vincent's scores. Before the late Crokes goals, the winners led the second period scoring 1-6 to 0-2.

In the personal marksman battle Tomás Quinn must take the plaudits as Mark Vaughan was held scoreless in the second half as he drifted further out the field in search of possession.

This was a necessary evil for the Crokes inside forwards as the Ger Brennan-marshalled defence refused to give up anything cheaply.

The opening half hour attained a level of point-scoring that belongs in Croke Park during high summer. Three young men, all entrusted with the future of Dublin football, were responsible. Vaughan, Quinn and dual player Dermot Connolly made notable contributions in this feeling-out period. The usual Vaughan cameo came first. It started with a casual point from out near the left touchline, followed with a free and a curling 45.

Before St Vincent's could reply Ray Cosgrove landed one of his trademark skyscrapers to put Crokes 0-5 to 0-2 ahead with 10 minutes on the clock.

St Vincent's dominated the next 20 minutes. Vaughan's predecessor as the county free-taker, Quinn, opened his account but then fell short with two 45s, before he changed the game's rhythm with a well-taken penalty. Referee Brian O'Shea awarded the spot kick after Paul Griffin was adjudged to have foot-blocked a speculative shot from Neal Billings.

Vaughan levelled it up with a massive free and Kevin Nolan had them back in front seconds later but Connolly and Quinn points ensured St Vincent's finished the half stronger.

The signs were ominous for Kilmacud as goalkeeper Dan Nelligan had to save his team-mates on two occasions. Tactically, St Vincent's identified their opponents' pressure points and began to squeeze. The expected dominance of the Magee brothers, Darren and Johnny, in the middle third never materialised because of the presence of Hugh Coughlan and Michael O'Shea.

Crokes continued to pour forward but the mass defence was waiting. No player, especially Vaughan, was afforded time to steady himself before shooting. It suited St Vincent's that Crokes' chief marksman began drifting in search of the ball. Also, their usual target man, Mark Davoren, who wasn't named in the programme, didn't appear fit and was replaced entering the defining final 10 minutes.

The ever-versatile Ó hEineacháin did knock over two scores from tight angles to bring it level but Quinn edged the northsiders back in front.

Someone had to blink. After lifting yet another siege, Quinn fed substitute Patrick Gilroy who passed to Brian Maloney as he entered the square. The flying corner forward got his shot away before carrying the ball over the line.

The game opened up, which suited St Vincent's, and after Connolly went close, Quinn landed the sweetest of long rangers to give them a five-point lead in the 54th minute. That lead was pushed out to eight after points from Quinn (free), Gilroy and Maloney.

Crokes came rushing downfield but Vaughan, with three men shadowing him, flashed a shot across the goalmouth. The most notable defensive trait saw Crokes forced out to the wings. Nobody was coming through Brennan's patch last night. There lies the ultimate difference.

ST VINCENT'S: M Savage; P Conlon, E Brady, H Gill; T Doyle, G Brennan, P Kelly; H Coughlan, M O'Shea (0-1); K Golden, T Diamond, N Billings; B Maloney (1-1), D Connolly (0-3, two frees), T Quinn (1-5, two frees, 1-0 pen). Subs: P Gilroy (0-1)for N Billings (41 mins).

KILMACUD CROKES: D Nelligan; P Griffin, C O'Sullivan, N McGrath; B McGrath, K Nolan (0-1), D Walsh; J Magee, D Magee; R Cosgrove (0-1), P Burke, D Kelleher; M Vaughan (0-4, two frees, 45), M Davoren, L Óg Ó hEineacháin (1-3, 1-0 pen). Subs: N Corkery for D Walsh (41 mins), P Duggan for D Kelleher (46 mins), N Behan (1-0)for M Davoren (51 mins).

Referee: B O'Shea(St Marks).