Ballybay 1-9

Clontibret 1-9

A missed free from Conor McManus in the closing stages meant champions Clontibret had to settle for a draw in their Monaghan SFC Group 1 opener with Ballybay this afternoon.

In a low scoring affair, the holders battled back from four points down at the break, 0-5 to 1-6, and took the lead for the first time after 52 minutes when McManus pointed for the fifth time. Wing back David Savage doubled the advantage moments later before the home side got back on level terms in injury-time. Clontribret had a chance to snatch the victory at the death, but McManus' effort tailed wide of the far post.

The Monaghan ace also had a penalty saved by Ballybay goalkeeper Adam Counihan at the start of the second half. The rebound was finished to the net by substitute Vinny Corey.

Clontibret's Conor McManus reacts after Vinny Corey tucks home the rebound from his missed penalty. ©INPHO/Tommy Dickson.

Last year's intermediate champions Magheracloone marked their return to the senior ranks with a hard fought 2-9 to 1-11 victory over hosts Inniskeen.

Yesterday, in Group 2, former kingpins Scotstown secured a 0-17 to 1-12 victory at home to Truagh while Latton came away with the spoils after a comfortable 1-13 to 0-9 success over Castleblayney.

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