Sarsfields' grit forces replay

A last-gasp goal by full forward John Murphy after a well directed Pat Ryan free helped Cork champions, Sarsfields, force a replay with Ballygunner from Waterford in an exciting quarterfinal in Cork yesterday. Murphy forced the ball over the line in a hectic scramble to give the Cork representatives, who were beaten in their county final by divisional side Imokilly, a deserved second chance, likely to be next weekend.

The disappointment of the Waterford side at conceding a late goal will probably be eased by the expected return of their star forward Paul Flynn who missed yesterday's game because of suspension. The visitors started poorly and found themselves 0-3 behind early on, following a couple of points from the excellent Pat Ryan, who starred with Cork's under-21 side this season. Ballygunner eventually settled and were within a point of their opponents when they pounced for the game's first goal from Paul Power.

That came after 13 minutes following a well-cut sideline by midfielder Liam Whitty, superby finished to the net by Power.

That goal separated the sides at the interval with the Waterford side in front by 1-8 to 0-8. The accuracy of Ryan from placed balls helped to keep Sarsfields in touch.

After the interval Sarsfields could not get on level terms and time seemed to be running out on them when Whitty pointed five minutes from the end to leave his side 1-13 to 0-13 in front.

The home team never gave up the chase and Ryan's inviting free into the heart of the defence set up Murphy's equaliser.