Saran O Fionnagain scored 2-2 as Wolfe Tones posted their first win of the campaign proving too good for local rivals Rathkenny at Pairc Tailteann on Sunday afternoon.

Wolfe Tones ...... 2-14
Rathkenny .......... 1-9

Wolfe Tones held a minimum margin advantage going into the final third of a hitherto uninspiring third round fixture. The final third belonged to Tony Kearney's men during which time they outscored their neighbours by 2-4 to 0-3.

Then Saran O Fionnagain made his mark with a brace of goals. The minor netted in the 54th and 58th minute to settle matters. He also scored two points for good measure.

Prior to that surge, Rathkenny trimmed a five-point interval deficit to a 41st-minute minimum, 1-6 to 0-10. That was mainly down to Donal Curtis's goal moments earlier. The still svelte two-time All-Ireland SFC winner finished well from Jack Gore's assist.

Wolfe Tones' response quelled Rathkenny hopes of registering a second win of the campaign (They beat Duleek-Bellewstown last time out).

County minor O Fionnagain did well to fend off his marker Niall Brannigan for the opening goal. He finished off a fine move for the second at the old swimming pool end with Niall O'Reilly providing the final pass.

There might have been a closer finish but Wolfe Tones 'keeper David Nolan did well to stop Jack Thompson's 53rd minute close range effort.

However, Wolfe Tones were by that stage beginning to put some distance between themselves and their neighbours. Three points inside four minutes saw move 0-13 to 1-6 clear by the 51st minute.

Dan O'Neill's point was the pick of the trio. It was followed by O Fionnagain's second point and a Cian Ward free.

A second quarter surge of sorts was the highlight of the first-half and it propelled Wolfe Tones to an 0-8, 0-3 interval advantage.

Rathkenny, who entered the fray ahead of their neighbours in the table, opened the scoring through Owen Elliott. The same player levelled matters, for the second time, in the sixth minute.

Padraig Diamond pointed the 'Tones in front for the first time, with help from Cian Ward, with a third minute effort. Elliott's second tied the scores for the final time in the first 30 minutes.

From the 12th minute to the interval, Wolfe Tones outscored Rathkenny by 0-6 to 0-1. At half-time it looked as if the team in red and black would need a goal to revive them. They got it but it wasn't enough.

Ratkenny face Summerhill in round four while Wolfe Tones take on Duleek-Bellewstown.

Wolfe Tones - David Nolan; Stephen Sheppard, Shane Glynn, Conor Sheppard; Niall McLoughlin (0-1), Eoghan Harrington, Eanna Harrington; Stephen Corrigan, Dan O'Neill (0-1); Alan Callaghan, Thomas O'Reilly (0-1), Niall O'Reilly (0-2); Cian Ward (0-6,3 fs), Saran O Fionnagain (2-2), Padraig Diamond (0-1). Subs - Caolan Ward for Niall O'Reilly (58).

Rathkenny - Richie Timmons; Niall Brannigan, James Macken, Ross Gore; Tomas McGuinness, Donal Keogan, Stephen Crosby; Brian Meade (C) (0-2), Christy Meade; Keith Timmons, Ivan Lenehan, Jack Gore (0-2 fs) ; Barney Lenehan (0-1f), Owen Elliott (0-4), Jack Thompson. Subs - Donal Curtis (1-0) for I Lenehan (25), Cathal McCabe for Crosby (56)

Referee - Martin Griffin (Simonstown)

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