Two second-half goals in the space of a minute were key as holders Scotstown scraped over the challenge of Clontibret - 2-13 to 1-12 - in an exciting Monaghan SFC final at Castleblayney today.

With the game delicately poised at Scotstown 0-12, Clontibret 1-9, Orin Heaphey and Kieran Hughes pounced in the 42nd and 43rd minutes respectively to put some daylight between the sides and Mattie McGleenan's side held on for a four point success.

The first-half finished level - Scotstown 0-9, Clontibret 1-6 - after Pauric Boyle had found the back of the Scotstown net in the 11th minute.

A Shane Carey free edged the holders back in front soon after the resumption before Heaphey and Hughes delivered the knock-out blows to Clontibret.

Scotstown captain Donal Morgan lifts the Monaghan SFC trophy.
©INPHO/James Crombie.

Defeat was a bitter pill to swallow for Farney County star Conor McManus who put on an exhibition of point taking and finished with 0-11 to his name

"To get two (goals) in a minute or two was absolutely fantastic," victorious manager McGleenan remarked to TG4's GAA BEO shortly after the final whistle.

"I'm proud of those boys. At half-time it was dodgy and dangerous. We asked hard questions of the lads. They showed their character. They are a great group of lads."

Once they finish celebrating their third county success in four years, the former Tyrone star and his players will turn their attention to an Ulster Club SFC date with Down's five in-a-row champions Kilcoo.

Scotstown - R Beggan (0-1f); P Sherlock, M Duffy, D McArdle; F McPhillips, K Hughes (1-2, 0-1f), E Caulfield; F Caulfield, J Turley; R McKenna, D Morgan, S Mohan (0-1); O Heaphey (1-1), D Hughes (0-3), S Carey (0-5, 4f). Subs: P Keenan for F Caulfield, B McGinnity for R McKenna.

Clontibret - D McDonnell; C Duffy, C Boyle, D Mooney; B Greenan, M Corey, C Greenan; V Corey (0-1), K Greenan; D Savage, D Carragher, P Boyle (1-0); P McGuigan, K Lavelle, C McManus (0-11, 8f). Subs: R McGuigan for K Greenan, R Gorman for C Duffy, F Mone for K Lavelle, D Barry for M Corey, F Hughes for R McGuigan.

Referee - S Gilsenan.

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