Duleek 1-9 Syddan 1-9 Duleek substitute James Devereaux fisted over a late point to earn a draw in this entertaining IFC final against Syddan at Pairc Tailteann on Sunday 18th September. It was Duleek who settled into the match quickly and they looked destined to erase the memories of last year's defeat in the final when they lead by four points with ten minutes remaining. Duleek forward Peter Curran began the match in emphatic fashion and scored his side's opening four points while Syddan failed to register a single score during this 20 minute period. It took Syddan until eight minutes before the break for their first score. Philip Meade was fouled and Brian Dillon tapped over to break the green and yellow hoops' duck. Dillon was accurate once again from a placed ball moments later to narrow the gap to two points. Duleek's response was swift as Bryan Cudden laid the ball off to centre back Paul Martin, who in turn fed Colin Duignan and the full forward fired past Syddan goalkeeper James Sheehy. Syddan replied with two points to leave the score at half time, 1-5 to 0-3. They continued to narrow the gap with two further points after the interval to leave two points between the sides. Duleek needed a lift and the introduction of substitute Aodghan Byrne seem to do just that as he adapted to a defensive role in order to break up any potential Syddan attacks. Philip Duff and Cudden exchanged points before Duff scored the all important goal and when older brother Shay put John Henry's side in front for the first time in the match, it looked as if there would be further heartbreak for Duleek. Nonetheless, there was one final twist in the match as Devereaux held his cool to fist the ball over the bar and earn his side a replay. Tweet

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